Schlupfen

Schlupfen is a regional German term for the common cold, used especially in Austria and parts of southern Germany. In standard medical language, the illness is described as a viral upper respiratory tract infection caused by various viruses. Schlupfen is usually mild and self-limiting.

Causes and transmission: Most cases are caused by rhinoviruses; other common culprits include coronaviruses, influenza viruses, and adenoviruses. The illness spreads mainly through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and by touching contaminated surfaces, followed by contact with the nose or eyes. People are typically contagious around the time symptoms begin, and the duration can be longer in children.

Symptoms: Typical signs are nasal congestion or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and mild fatigue. Fever is uncommon or low-grade, especially in adults; children may experience a higher fever on occasion.

Diagnosis and differential: Diagnosis is usually clinical and does not require laboratory testing. Red flags warranting evaluation include high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or symptoms lasting more than about 10 days without improvement, which could indicate complications or other illnesses such as influenza, sinusitis, or COVID-19.

Treatment and management: There is no specific cure. Management focuses on symptom relief: rest, fluids, paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and pain, saline nasal sprays, throat lozenges, and, for adults, short-term decongestants if appropriate. Antibiotics are not routinely used unless a bacterial complication is suspected.

Prevention and prognosis: Preventive measures include good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home when ill. Influenza vaccination can reduce risk in some seasons. Schlupfen typically resolves within about one to two weeks, though a cough may persist longer in some individuals.