Expert Dr. Bahar Gülcay Çat pointed out that upper respiratory tract infections have peaked recently and called on citizens to be more careful during this period. Dr. stated that especially Covid-19, influenza and seasonal upper respiratory tract infections are becoming common together. Çat noted that the coexistence of these 3 viruses poses a threat to public health.
THERE IS CONTENSE IN EMERGENCY SERVICES
Stating that emergency services are overcrowded due to such complaints, Çat said, “Currently, both Covid-19 virus, influenza and seasonal upper respiratory tract infection viruses are widely seen. In some literature, this is defined as a combination virus. These viruses are one of the most common viruses.” “It causes complaints such as high fever, cough, sore throat and muscle-joint pain,” he said.
“CLOSED AREAS SHOULD BE VENTILATED OFTEN”
Referring to the things that should be taken into consideration in closed areas where more time is spent during the winter months, Çat said, “We recommend that closed areas be ventilated frequently and social distance should be observed. Especially if we are going to enter crowded areas, the use of masks is a very important and very effective method, especially during the epidemic period. We should pay serious attention to our nutrition.” “We recommend consuming seasonal foods high in vitamin C, such as oranges and tangerines, which keep immunity high,” he said.
PEOPLE WITH CHRONIC DISEASES, THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN MUST BE PROTECTED
Specialist states that people showing symptoms of the disease should definitely consult their family doctor or a health institution. Dr. Çat said, “We especially recommend that people with chronic diseases and children in the age group be protected. Because while infections in these people can be treated with home rest, hospitalization may be required in those with diseases that compromise the immune system, such as blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.”
Çat also pointed out that if there is a person at home who is infected with the virus, social distance should be observed, especially for those with chronic diseases, elderly individuals and children, and warned: “We recommend isolating ourselves and using a mask when we need to go near them.”
EXPERTS WARNED ONE BY ONE
Child Health Disease Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Taşkesen warned families with children during this period when seasonal flu is intense. Prof. Dr. Taşkesen said that seasonal flu, commonly known as swine flu, which begins with the cooling of the weather, starts at the beginning of December and peaks in January.
DON’T MIX UP WITH THE FLU
Stating that citizens confuse the cold with the flu and that the two are different diseases, Prof. Dr. Taşkesen said, ”Cold is a simple infection that most of us have in our daily lives, such as runny nose and sneezing, which do not affect our work much, do not affect our lives much, and do not cause us to go to bed, but the flu is not like that, the flu is much more severe. The flu really puts citizens out of work. It can make you bedridden for a few days. “It can cause very serious high fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases it can be much more severe than the coronavirus disease we have,” he said.
TWO WAYS TO PREVENT DISEASE…
Prof. Dr. Taşkesen emphasized that masks should be worn in crowded environments and stated that there are two most important ways to prevent this disease. Prof. Dr. Taşkesen said, “The first thing is vaccination, we need to do this vaccine especially in September or October every year. If we are vaccinated against seasonal flu, it is likely to be protective. Another is to avoid crowded environments, wash hands, and pay attention to hygiene. There are a lot of hospital emergency admissions, and I want to warn families about this. “For example, if the child has a slight fever, when you come to the emergency room, unfortunately, since there is a patient population in emergency rooms, unnecessary admissions can actually cause you to catch a new infection or cause your illness to be more severe,” he said.
“ANTIBIOTIC PROLONGES THE RECOVERY TIME OF THE DISEASE”
Pointing out that there are some risk groups, Prof. Dr. Taşkesen said, “Stop unnecessary use of antibiotics. When a citizen suffering from seasonal flu uses antibiotics, it has no benefit and even prolongs the recovery time of the disease. Everyone over the age of 6 months can be vaccinated regularly every year. We give the same dose to every child over the age of 6 months as an adult. Only those over the age of 9.” “If it is the first time for children under six, we give it in two doses, one month apart,” he said.
(UAV)