Recently, the Colombian Safety Council (CCS) issued an appeal emphasizing the importance of preventing the infection and spread of acute respiratory diseases (ARD) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the workplace.
While this is common during certain times of the year, recent weather conditions may exacerbate the spread of the virus. In the case of Colombia, the National Institute of Health (INS) continuously monitors the epidemiology of respiratory viruses that cause ARI, Considering its incidence in priority groups, such as children under 5 years of age and adults over 60 years of age.
According to the entity’s latest epidemiological bulletin, between December 24, 2023 and January 20, 2024, 19 cities with a population of more than 100,000 experienced a significant increase in acute respiratory infections.Furthermore, it is clear that the most affected groups are those belonging to There are 145,104 cases in the 20 to 39 age group, equivalent to 33.1%, followed by 100,264 cases in the 40 to 59 age group, accounting for 22.9%.
Allergies are often one of the consequences of a poorly functioning immune system.
Therefore, the groups most likely to be affected are those of active working age.Additionally, between January 14 and 20, the country experienced viral transmission trends related to respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza and influenza B
El Niño has begun to have a severe impact on Colombia, causing higher temperatures and significantly lower rainfall in many parts of the country, according to health authorities.
These events increase the spread of zoonotic diseases, such as avian influenza, which can affect the respiratory system. In fact, the World Organization for Animal Health says that as a result, when more than 25% of forest cover is lost, the likelihood of wildlife coming into contact with humans becomes greater.
Likewise, forest fires can increase the emissions and concentration of particulate matter (especially fine particles smaller than 10 microns) and other substances that may irritate the respiratory tract (such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, etc.) in the environment.
This condition affects the health of priority groups or those with comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rhinitis, asthma, etc., and increases the incidence of ARD. This is because due to the presence of El Niño and global warming, there is a layer of hot air in the environment that prevents this particulate matter from dispersing.
In this sense, CCS Executive President Adriana Solano Luque said, “It is crucial to adopt measures such as the use of masks for symptomatic people, maintaining hygiene practices, and prompt reporting of symptoms and assessment of working conditions, including working conditions”. flexibility. For people experiencing respiratory symptoms. “
How to prevent infection at work?
The truth is, respiratory viruses (like the flu or the common cold) tend to spread easily in the workplace due to a combination of factors. First, close contact between colleagues can facilitate the spread of the virus through direct interactions, such as shaking hands or sharing everyday items. This physical proximity increases the chance of contact and contagion between workers.
Additionally, workplaces often house a large number of people in a relatively small space, such as offices, factories, or shops. “Such high population densities further increase the risk of virus transmission, especially in areas with poor air circulation, where the air can be stagnant, allowing pathogens to remain suspended in the environment for longer,” explains Dr. Humberto Imaña of TopDoctors Latin America.
Massaging with essential oils can help relieve nasal discomfort.
Lack of adequate ventilation is another factor that contributes to the spread of respiratory viruses in work environments. When there is insufficient air circulation, viruses can accumulate in the environment, increasing the likelihood that workers will inhale viral particles or come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Experts also highlight that shared workspaces and objects, such as desks, phones and office equipment, may facilitate the spread of the virus among employees. If an infected person touches these objects, they may leave traces of the virus behind, which increases the risk of infection for other workers who come into contact with these surfaces.
It is important to note that a lack of proper hygiene may exacerbate the spread of respiratory viruses in the workplace. If frequent handwashing is not promoted or adequate hygiene products (such as hand sanitizer) are not provided, workers may struggle to prevent the spread of the virus.