ATTENTION TO WINTER DISEASES!

Stating that the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, colds, flu, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media increases with the cold weather in winter and the increase in time spent in closed and crowded environments, PARKHAYAT Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Op. Dr. Tayfun Şahin; “These infections especially affect children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic lung and heart disease, and patients whose immune system is weakened due to cancer treatment more seriously. The increase in the density of disease-causing microbes and microorganisms in the air, the body expending more energy due to cold weather and getting tired, living together in closed and crowded places are the factors that cause an increase in upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu in winter. These infections, which are caused by microorganisms called viruses, are extremely contagious. These neglected diseases are among the important health problems that reduce our quality of life and keep us from our work for a long time. The flu is a viral infection that is more severe than the common cold. However, if it is not taken seriously, it may have a more severe course in the elderly, young children, diabetics, and people with chronic diseases of the kidney, heart or respiratory system. In addition, it can prepare the ground for diseases such as pneumonia.
Because colds and flu are viral diseases, they do not respond to antibiotic treatment. Antiviral drugs are helpful in the early period. “Patients are advised to take plenty of fluids, bed rest and medications for symptoms.”
Dr. Tayfun Şahin listed the points to be considered in order to be protected from these diseases as follows.
Staying away from closed environments and poorly ventilated places,
Washing hands frequently (for example, shaking hands, doorknobs, keyboards and telephones prepare the ground for the transmission of flu),
Not sharing personal belongings with sick people,
No exposure to active and passive cigarette smoke,
Keeping children who have frequent upper respiratory tract infections away from the nursery for a while,
Influenza vaccination to patients in the risk group, people over 65 years old, pregnant women and health personnel,
Paying attention to nutrition in winter, eating meals regularly, giving weight to breakfast, energy seasonal vegetables and fruits,
People in the risk group should not go out unless it is necessary on days when the weather is very cold, those with heart disease should not walk in the very cold, dress in a way that will protect them from the cold, and take care not to sweat excessively,
Especially pregnant women should take care not to catch seasonal diseases in cold weather, stay away from public and crowded places, and protect them with masks,
Patients with chronic lung disease and asthma should take medications regularly, not go out unless necessary, and avoid air pollution, stove and coal effects.