Winter is here, and like a letter in the post, comes the year’s great infectious season, when thousands are affected by the recurring winter sickness.
The disease is caused by calicivirus and only during the winter season 2022/2023 reported The Public Health Authority that 15 percent of all samples analyzed were positive, which corresponds to over 5,000 people. In addition to that, there is also a large number of people not being tested as many do not test themselves for the infection.
The expert: That’s why you shouldn’t use hand sanitizer during the winter
How do you protect yourself against winter sickness?
The virus is highly contagious and is affected even more by the fact that many people choose to hang out indoors during the winter, which results in an increase in the infection during the winter. But how do you avoid getting infected?
According to Lars Lindstedtmedically responsible doctor at Doktor24, there are several things you must consider to minimize the risk of falling ill.
– Good hygiene and hand washing are very important. Especially after going to the toilet and if you handle food, he says News24 and continues:
– Unlike most bacteria that cause stomach ailments, calicivirus is also a droplet infection and highly contagious from person to person.
This is how you boost your immune system this winter – and reduce the risk of getting sick
Myths about winter sickness – what is true?
Which myths are there around the virus that are not true?
The site Doctor24 has explained on its website what is actually true when it comes to the virus and which claims are just myths.
1. Does hand sanitizer protect against winter sickness?
No. A common belief is that hand sanitizer keeps the virus away, but this is not the case. It can be a good supplement, but washing your hands with soap and water provides better protection.
– Calicivirus is not sensitive to hand sanitizer, but soap and water are better. No one with symptoms of illness should handle food. Handling food properly is important, especially if it is being stored or reheated. When it comes to certain other bacteria, it is important that chicken and pork, for example, are always heated to a temperature above 70 degrees, explains Lars Lindstedt.
2. Do white peppercorns protect against winter sickness?
No. There is no scientific evidence that white pepper protects against the virus.
3. Are you immune if you are infected once?
No. You can get short-term protection after the infection, but as there are different varieties of winter sickness, you can be affected several times. So even during the same season.
4. Can you only get winter sickness in winter?
No. The risk of getting infected increases in the winter because you spend more time indoors, but you can also get infected during the summer.
5. Are some people automatically immune to winter sickness?
Yes. Around 20 percent of Sweden’s population has genetic protection against winter sickness.
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