Emergency Medicine Specialist Prof. Dr. Ersin Aksay drew attention to the recent congestion in emergency services and warned of an ‘epidemic’. Stating that patients are applying with similar complaints, especially with the decrease in mask use, Aksay said, “It is possible that we can talk about an epidemic. In fact, we did not experience this epidemic much during the Covid-19 period due to the use of masks. However, due to the decrease in mask use, we see a significant increase in influenza and cold cases. “The majority of the patients we have seen recently come with complaints of runny nose, high fever and cough,” he said.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLU AND COLD
Talking about the differences between flu and cold, Aksay said, “Complaints are simpler in colds. Flu is also a viral disease, but it is more severe because it is caused by the virus we call influenza. It can be more severe, especially in immunodeficiency, chronic bronchitis, diabetic patients and elderly patients. It can also turn into pneumonia or acute bronchitis. Flu may cause a fever of about 39 degrees, widespread muscle and joint pain, and severe headaches. In case it develops into acute bronchitis or pneumonia, coughs may last for up to a few weeks; “It is also possible to encounter stinging pains in the chest and common muscle and joint diseases,” he said.
“SICK INDIVIDUALS SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM CROWDED ENVIRONMENTS”
Underlining the need to use masks within the scope of combating the developing epidemic, Aksay said, “The most effective way of protection is, of course, not to get sick. Viral diseases are diseases that often heal on their own and whose duration cannot be shortened with medications other than symptomatic support treatment. Sick individuals should avoid crowded environments as much as possible. “Their children should not go to school, they should wear masks and they should not come into contact with people who are especially likely to have severe flu,” he said.
“ANTIBIOTICES HAVE NO BENEFIT”
Aksay also warned that antibiotics should not be used in flu and colds and said, “The epidemic we are experiencing is caused by viral factors. Antibiotics are of no use for flu or colds. Antibiotics should not be used unless there is a bacterial infection. Additionally, vitamins C and B taken intravenously in a single dose are of no benefit. It does not shorten the duration of symptoms, nor does it reduce the possibility of developing a flu infection. Therefore, it does not benefit the patient. “It is possible to carry out this process easily with antipyretic and painkiller tablets,” he said.
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