The Federal Center for Health Education (BzgA) advises:
It is recommended that people with respiratory infections stay at home for three to five days, if possible, and until symptoms improve noticeably. During this time, direct contact with other people should be avoided, especially with people who are at increased risk of serious illness (e.g. older people, people with previous illnesses or immunodeficiency, pregnant women).
It is important to follow coughing and sneezing etiquette. This includes using a tissue or covering your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing or sneezing, and turning away from other people.
Regular ventilation (shock ventilation) of indoor spaces can reduce the risk of transmission of respiratory pathogens. Sick people should wear a mask to protect others, especially if they cannot avoid contact with people from risk groups.
During disease outbreaks where there are many viruses circulating, wearing a face mask correctly indoors can be one way to protect yourself from infection. In particular, people who belong to the risk group and have a higher risk of a serious course of the disease should consider wearing a mask for self-protection.
To reduce the risk of a smear infection with pathogens, it is important to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly. People should also avoid touching their faces with unwashed hands.
Vaccinations are available against some serious respiratory infections. Vaccination protection should be up-to-date in accordance with the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), especially against Covid-19, flu and pneumococcal infections. There are vaccines against RSV for older people and a vaccine for pregnant women.
