They recommend wearing masks in enclosed areas to prevent influenza A

Respiratory viruses that cause infections such as colds have increased significantly in recent weeks. Influenza A, Coronavirus anyone Bronchiolitis, mainly due to meeting friends and family and visiting shopping malls during the Christmas period. As the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (Semes) warns, flu and COVID-19 cases in particular surge after Christmas and emergencies are already saturated.

For this reason, Semes experts recommend that people with symptoms consistent with influenza A infection Face mask This protector can also be used in enclosed spaces when they meet other people, especially in poorly ventilated areas, with the aim of preventing an increase in the number of cases of this disease. People with symptoms should also telework when possible.

In addition, they remember to pay special attention to hygiene measures such as washing hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before eating or handling food, after using the bathroom, after blowing their nose or coughing, and by covering their mouth and nose. When sneezing or coughing, use your arm or a tissue instead of your hands.

Tips to Minimize Flu Risk

Other tips from emergency room doctors to help stop the spread of respiratory viral infections include:

• Use disposable tissues and throw them away after each use, never put them in your pocket or leave them on your desk or bedside table.
• Avoid kissing, hugging and very close contact.
• Do not share glasses, eating utensils, clothing, towels, sheets, or any clothing or objects that may have come into contact with saliva or secretions.
• If someone you live with has the flu, clean common surfaces (doorknobs, faucets, handles, TV remotes…) more frequently.
• Ventilate the house daily, or more frequently if someone is infected.
• Maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as sleeping well, eating a balanced diet, exercising, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

The Undergraduate Society also pointed out that Flu vaccine It is intended for use in high-risk groups (patients with chronic illness or obesity, people over 65 years old, children over six months old with a medical condition, or healthcare or social care workers). In fact, the virus can spread from the day before symptoms appear to seven days after symptoms appear, and is most contagious in the first three days after symptoms appear. Therefore, experts advise infected people to stay home to ensure they do not spread the virus to others.

Influenza cases doubled in mid-December, while the incidence of COVID-19 also increased, according to the latest data from the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII). Data from ISCIII show that the incidence rate of acute respiratory diseases in Spanish primary care in the third week of December was 739.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase of 37.17% from the previous week, especially influenza.