Upon arrival low temperatureusually accompanying him, presence of various diseases Caused by virus Its incidence is in autumn and winter.
“this cold virus the most important is, flu virus Is it a virus? relatively common; generally Víctor Jiménez Cid, professor at the Department of Microbiology and Parasitology at the Complutense University of Madrid, detailed the impact of autumn and winter on humans.
“he cold is essential because reduce A series of defense of our organismmaking it easier to get infected by any of these viruses. enter and cause infection», highlighted Dr. Diego García Martinez de Artola, spokesman for the organization Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC).»
The most common winter viruses
this most common diseases Caused by such pathogens are usually related and Respiratory diseases. The most common viruses in Spain during autumn and winter are:
- Rhinovirus, which causes the common cold.
- Respiratory syncytial virus.
- flu virus.
- Adenovirus.
- Coronavirus (non-COVID-19).
“obviously Have COVID-19still we can’t talk become purely seasonal virusbut it is in Way», explains Garcia.
this Most of these viruses they have a residual cycle All year round, but when Infect of large scale approach It was at this time. «Some, like Influenza, from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere and vice versa in their their own winter, ever-evolving of continuous mode Selecting variants for which our immune systems are less prepared,” Jiménez said.
andn minors and childrenhe respiratory syncytial virus is that usually results in A More quantity of Serious circumstances.Although return may result in severe infection exist Elderly patients.
“This moment in every year Rhinovirus on the riseand although in many occasions The infection ends in common coldIn patients with immune problems and in children, it may result in infections requiring hospitalization,” a SEIMC spokesperson explained.
Diseases with higher incidence in autumn and winter
this Diseases with higher incidence With the arrival of cold and hypothermia they are usually constipated and Related conditions and Congestion or general discomfort. «Common cold and flu-like symptoms i don’t even know diagnosis arrive Identify viruses. They are self-limiting and have Symptomatic treatment and The patience they solve», details Jimenez.
Of course, care must be taken to ensure they do not lead to bacterial infections and more serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in infants and the elderly.
However, apart from all these diseases, Influenza and, in recent years, COVID-19 have been particularly prominentAlthough not seasonal, incidence is typically higher this time of year.
“at the moment Monitoring system is in place arrive National level This allows us to understand the profile of viral respiratory infection cases in hospitals and primary care.this is a program it is improving us will allow closer monitoring all viral respiratory pathogens», said Garcia, who stressed that we must pay attention to the possible evolution of the flu in the coming months.
factors that increase infectivity
this increased factors he risk of infection The incidence of these diseases is usually low temperaturethis low relative humidityhe overcrowding exist interior spacea major contact directly between people in offices and other spaces Public transit and lack of ventilation exist working environment Or at home.
«Breathing cold air slows down some of the defensive functions of our airways, but The most decisive thing is that we conduct more of our social lives indoors», emphasizing that Jimenez should spend less time outdoors and spend more time in enclosed spaces.
Apart from, Other direct aspects yes lack of vaccination and close contact and other patients That infect Some of these diseases.
Precautions to avoid viruses
According to experts, Best precautions In order to avoid the occurrence of such diseases, Get vaccinated every year relatively influenza. especially risk group as childrenthis elderly or those work exposure For these viruses, such as teacher or health worker.
“this Vaccination It also prevents the spread of e.g. Over 65 years oldwho are likely to suffer more severe cases, we are currently in the middle of the campaign,” explained the UCM professor.