Abstract
Because of its high prevalence acute respiratory diseases have a significant impact on the population. The focus of this review was the current state of knowledge for the prophylactic efficacy of: zinc, vitamin C, Echinacea preparations, garlic and carrying out physical measures. Furthermore, the benefits of pneumococcal and influenza vaccine were elicited. In the synopsis, the physical measures proved to be the most effective, cost-effective method to prevent infections. The intake of zinc, Echinacea preparations (for example: E. purpurea), vitamin C and garlic showed moderate success in the prevention of infection and must be elicited individually. Pneumococcal and annual influenza vaccines in family practice should be given furthermore accordingly topical STIKO-recommendation. Nevertheless, the prophylactic effect from influenza vaccines on usual cold illnesses is unsettled.
Akute respiratorische Erkrankungen (ARE) gehören zu den häufigsten Erkrankungen in den industrialisierten Staaten. Symptome divergieren in Dauer und Intensität. Sie schränken den Patienten in seinem Allgemeinbefinden oft derart ein, dass eine Arbeitsunfähigkeit resultiert. Um für die Patientenberatung eine aktuelle Übersicht zu haben, wurde eine Literaturrecherche zum Thema „Infektprophylaxe“ durchgeführt.
Schlüsselwörter
Prävention - Atemwegsinfekt - Erkältung - Grippe - Impfung
Key words
prevention - respiratory infection - common cold - influenza - vaccination