With the increase in respiratory illness cases typical of this cold season and the date we are in, we have said goodbye to the year. The Ministry of Health and the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) have developed ten tips that we must follow if we want to avoid influenza and coronavirus during the cold season. Bronchiolitis or a simple common cold can also cause us to start the new year off on the wrong foot.
According to the latest report from the Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (Sivira), corresponding to the week of December 18 to 24, the number of acute respiratory infections in primary care increased to 908.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (806 cases in the previous week).
Influenza, particularly influenza A, is on the rise in primary care and across all age groups, although experts say the peak of infections has not yet been reached. The hospitalization rate for influenza was 5.6 cases per 100,000 residents, with a higher hospitalization rate among adults over 80 years old.
On the other hand, the impact of the coronavirus on health centers has fluctuated upwards, with the highest incidence among children under 1 year old. The COVID-19 hospitalization rate is 2.3 cases per 100,000 people (compared to 1.9 the previous week) and has been increasing since the past three weeks. By age group, hospitalization rates were highest among children under one year old (17.4 cases/100,000 hours) and adults over 80 years old (16.5 cases/100,000 hours).
Both the Ministry of Health and SEMES agree with this recommendation, which will help us take preventive measures and reduce the risk of influenza and COVID-19 contagion, although the scientific association places special emphasis on preventive measures to avoid influenza A.
1. wash hands often: Before eating, before handling food, after leaving the bathroom, and after blowing your nose or coughing.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing: If possible, use your arm or a tissue instead of your hand.
3. Use disposable tissues: Throw it away after each use, do not put it in your pocket or leave it on the table or nightstand.
4. avoid kissing and very close contactand sharing glasses, cutlery, towels, and other items that may have come into contact with saliva or secretions.
5. If someone in your home has the flu, Clean more often Clean common surfaces (doorknobs, sinks, handles) using common cleaning products and ventilate rooms more frequently by opening windows.
6. Live a healthy life: Good sleep, healthy diet, drinking water, active life, avoiding alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
7. Use of masksit is recommended to People who are sick or begin to experience flu-related symptoms when in the presence of other people, especially in poorly ventilated areas. Additionally, it is recommended that health care providers of patients with influenza A (H1N1) or patients with symptoms consistent with their illness should do the same in the patient’s presence. Also maintain ventilation as much as possible in enclosed spaces.
8. Flu vaccine This information is displayed if you are in a high-risk group (chronically ill, obese, people over 65, sick children over 6 months old, healthcare workers).
9. Viruses can spread From 1 day before symptoms appear to 7 days after symptoms appear, the contagiousness is strongest in the first 3 days after symptoms appear. It is recommended to stay at home to ensure that you do not infect others and to avoid going to work if possible with symptoms of illness.
10. If you have any question, Consult a health professional.