It starts like every year. A scratchy throat, pressure behind the eyes, a chill that just won't go away. Only this year, something is different. Earlier. More intense. The waiting rooms are packed – and not just with older people, but also with children, young adults, people who rarely get sick. The reason: A new strain of the flu is currently circulating. And while the media reports on it, something is happening in the body that most people completely underestimate. It involves our mucous membranes in the nose, throat, and bronchi. Whether they are moist or dry now makes the crucial difference – between staying healthy and getting sick.
The new flu variant – why it is spreading faster
The flu currently circulating is of the H3N2 type . This flu strain isn't new – it's existed since the 1960s. But it has a special characteristic: it's constantly changing. That's why the flu vaccine has to be adapted every year.
In the summer of 2025, a new variant emerged in Asia, which experts call "subclade K." It has undergone such significant genetic changes that our immune system no longer recognizes it as effectively. This means that even if you are vaccinated or had the flu last year, you can still become infected. Your body doesn't see this virus as an old acquaintance, but rather as a new intruder.
This new variant was first detected in Germany in August 2025. Since then, it has spread rapidly. By December, it already accounted for two-thirds of all flu cases. What's unusual is that the flu season started unusually early this year – it normally begins between Christmas and New Year's. This time, it really got going at the beginning of December.
In England, where the wave started even earlier, it was particularly severe among schoolchildren at the end of November: almost 40 percent of the children tested had the flu – an exceptionally high figure for this time of year. And this isn't because fewer people are getting vaccinated. It's due to the strain itself. It's simply more contagious. On average, each infected person infects more people than with regular flu viruses. And that's what causes the wave to spread faster and more steeply.
Does the flu vaccine still offer any protection?
Many people are asking themselves this question right now. The honest answer: Yes, but not perfectly. The flu vaccine was formulated in February 2025 – this new variant wasn't known at that time. Therefore, the vaccine isn't a perfect match. The antibodies your body produces after vaccination don't recognize the new virus very well.
But – and this is important – the vaccination is still effective. Initial results from England show that in children and adolescents, the vaccination prevents hospitalization in 70 to 75 percent of cases. In adults, the figure is 30 to 40 percent. This may not sound like much, but it's typical for winters when H3N2 viruses are prevalent. And most importantly: the vaccination continues to protect against severe cases, pneumonia, and truly dangerous complications.
Younger people and children are particularly vulnerable. Why? Because their immune systems haven't yet encountered many different flu viruses. Their bodies haven't yet built up a broad repertoire of antibodies. That's why these age groups are getting sick more often now – we're seeing this clearly in doctors' offices and schools.
Your mucous membranes – the first line of defense against every virus
While everyone is talking about vaccinations and antibodies, something much simpler – but incredibly important – is happening in the body. Before a flu virus can even penetrate deep into your body, it has to overcome a barrier: the mucous membrane in the nose, throat, and bronchi.
These mucous membranes are more than just a moist surface. They are a highly effective protective layer. Imagine: A thin film of mucus covers the mucous membranes. Within this mucus are millions of tiny cilia that move about 16 times per second – like a wave in a stadium. These cilia continuously push the mucus, along with all the trapped viruses, bacteria, and dust particles, upwards towards the throat. There, we swallow it all, and the stomach acid neutralizes the pathogens. This ingenious mechanism is known in medical terms as the "self-cleaning of the lungs."
But – and this is the crucial point – this system only works if the mucous membranes are moist. And this is precisely where the problem begins in winter.
Outside, the air is cold and dry. When we breathe it in, it warms up in our airways – becoming even drier in the process. At the same time, the heating system inside is running at full blast, further dehydrating the air. The result: In many homes, the humidity drops below 30 percent in winter . That's as dry as a desert. Ideally, it should be between 40 and 60 percent.
Low humidity causes mucous membranes to dry out. The protective mucus film becomes thick and sticky. The cilia can no longer move properly. The self-cleaning process is disrupted. And then viruses suddenly have much more time to attach themselves and penetrate the cells. Viruses that would normally be carried away within minutes now remain trapped. In addition, dry mucous membranes are irritated, inflamed, and more susceptible. The local immune response is weakened.
Why this is so important right now
The new flu strain is spreading faster than previous viruses. This means that wherever people gather – in the office, on the train, while shopping – the likelihood of coming into contact with the virus is greater. The viral load in the air is higher. Every conversation, every handshake carries a greater risk.
In this situation, your first line of defense – the mucous membrane – becomes a crucial factor. A moist, intact mucous membrane can help effectively trap and transport viruses away before they can penetrate deeper. A dry, irritated mucous membrane, on the other hand, is more permeable and weakened. This difference can significantly influence how well your body can deal with invading viruses.
There's another factor to consider: Dry air also creates a dangerous situation outdoors. The tiny droplets that sick people expel when coughing or speaking shrink. They become lighter, remain suspended in the air longer, and can be carried further. At the same time, flu viruses remain infectious for longer in dry air. However, at a humidity level between 40 and 60 percent, the viruses are rendered harmless more quickly, the droplets fall to the ground faster, and the risk of infection decreases.
This shows that moist mucous membranes don't just protect you. They help slow the spread of the flu overall. The fewer people who become infected, the slower the virus spreads – and the less strained our healthcare system becomes.
What you can do now
The good news is: you are not helpless against it. There are simple things you can do immediately to protect your mucous membranes and strengthen your natural defenses.
Check the humidity. A simple hygrometer (available from €10 at hardware stores or online) will show you how dry your indoor air really is. The ideal range is between 40 and 60 percent. If the value is below this, you should take action. Ventilate regularly – three to five minutes with the windows wide open is sufficient. This exchanges the air without the rooms cooling down completely.
If that's not enough, humidifiers can help. However, pay attention to hygiene – some devices can spread bacteria if used incorrectly. Simple evaporative humidifiers are often a better choice than those using hot steam.
Drink plenty of fluids. At least two liters of water or unsweetened tea a day. This doesn't directly keep your airways moist, but it helps your whole body produce enough mucus and keep the system functioning properly.
Discover the power of salt. Salt has a special property that has been known for centuries: it attracts moisture and can help loosen stubborn mucus. Perhaps you've heard that people with respiratory problems go to the seaside or visit salt caves? There's a good reason for that.
When salt particles enter the airways, they can bind water and help to thin thick mucus, making it easier to expel. Salt can support the lungs' self-cleaning process, allowing the cilia to function more effectively. Furthermore, salt is naturally attributed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This can soothe the airways and reduce swelling.
There are various options for everyday life:
Nasal rinses with saline solution can help clear the nose and flush out viruses. They are especially soothing in the evening after a day spent around people.
Salt inhalations using a nebulizer deliver fine salt particles deep into the bronchi. This is especially helpful if you are already experiencing the first signs of a cold or are prone to respiratory problems.
Salt-enriched indoor air – and this is where it gets interesting for anyone looking for a continuous source of support. Today, there are compact devices that work on the principle of old graduation towers (like those found in spas): mini saltworks for your home. They enrich the indoor air with fine salt particles through natural evaporation – gently, in the background, without you having to do anything. No filters, no chemicals, just salt and water.
The advantage: Unlike acute inhalation, which you use specifically when symptoms arise, this type of device works continuously. Your airways are constantly supplied with saline air – while you sleep, work, or relax. This can be a particularly beneficial addition for families with children, for people with asthma, COPD, or chronic respiratory problems . But it's also ideal for anyone who wants to take preventative measures and optimally protect their mucous membranes this winter.
Your mucous membranes are your best defense.
This new flu strain won't be the last. Flu viruses are constantly changing – it's their nature. But we can learn from every winter. And the most important lesson is this: the best protection doesn't begin with a vaccination or a pill. It begins with caring for your first line of defense – the mucous membranes in your nose, throat, and bronchi.
Moist, healthy mucous membranes are not a luxury. They are a biological barrier that traps thousands of viruses every day without you even noticing. They work around the clock, silently, tirelessly. But if you neglect them—through dry air from heating, insufficient fluid intake, or lack of attention—this barrier fails. And suddenly, viruses have an easy time.
Especially in a winter like this, with a particularly contagious strain of flu circulating, every precaution is valuable. Keeping an eye on humidity, ventilating regularly, drinking plenty of fluids – these aren't spectacular things. But they work. And they're doable for everyone.
Many people are rediscovering the natural benefits of salt air. What used to mean traveling to the seaside or visiting expensive salt caves is now possible in your own home. A mini saltworks operates quietly in the background, evaporating a saline solution and continuously enriching the room air with fine salt particles. Completely natural, without wasting electricity or complicated technology.
The effect: Your airways can be supported continuously – not just when you inhale for an acute episode, but all day long. Mucus can be loosened, the body's natural self-cleaning mechanisms can function better, and inflammation can be soothed. Ideal for families with children who frequently catch colds. For people with asthma or COPD who are looking for additional support. For anyone working from home who notices how dry the air is. And simply for anyone who wants to get through this winter in better health.
Ultimately, it's not about doing everything perfectly. It's about being mindful. Perceiving the body's signals. Noticing when your nose is burning, your throat is scratchy, your lips are chapped – and then acting on it. Because in these small moments, more is often decided than we realize.
It's not the big measures that make the difference. It's the small, consistent steps. Set up a hygrometer. Drink an extra glass of water. Breathe in salty air. It sounds simple – but that's precisely where the power lies. In a winter like this, such measures can make a significant contribution to your well-being.
Your mucous membranes are your best defense. Give them what they need. They will thank you for it.
(Image source: Envato)
Medical note
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have health questions or existing medical conditions, please consult your doctor. The measures described are intended as supplementary support and do not replace medical treatment.
