How do we prevent the flu, colds and other viruses? – Present

Every year, from the end of fall to the beginning of spring, there is a wave of respiratory infections causing thousands of visits to emergency services, consultations in family units, absenteeism and lack of productivity with a very high social and economic cost. However, these are rarely cases of clinical severity, requiring hospitalization or associated with mortality.

Cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, hoarseness and hypothermia are the symptoms associated with more than 200 types of viruses that cause infections in humans. They appear at this time because low temperature and high humidity are, on the one hand, protectors of viral particles and their reproduction, and on the other hand, they hinder the response of the immune system in the airways. At the same time, also at this time of cold and rain, we spend more time indoors, which facilitates the transmission of viral particles via aerosols, direct contact or surfaces where viruses can survive for up to two hours.

This winter, without masks and less hand sanitizing, we have an increase in these infections that, as you mentioned, can be caused by more than 200 viruses (including COVID-19) that can re-infect the same person throughout the year.

symptoms

If you have a cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, hoarseness, or a low fever (up to 38°C), wear a mask and avoid close contact, especially with people who are at risk such as those with heart, lung, or kidney disease. Chronic and immunocompromised patients. Such as those taking immunosuppressive drugs or those with oncological diseases. Avoid using health services, especially hospital emergencies, as this will be a transmission hub and there will be no benefit.

Treatment does not affect the development of symptoms or their duration, which can last up to two to three weeks, especially with cough, complaints of fatigue and malaise. The medicines we prescribe are only for the relief of symptoms, with the aim of improving well-being and enabling a normal, active life.

On the contrary, in the presence of a high fever (above 38-38.5 ° C), white secretions from the oropharynx or when there is an increased amount of sputum and its dark color, we must take into account the hypothesis of bacterial infection that often appears after viral infection Antibiotics are only prescribed for these bacterial infections.

I also point out the specific condition and warning signs that should prompt early medical observation. In recent years we have identified more cases of whooping cough caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, whose childhood vaccine does not prevent the disease, but does prevent severe cases. If the cough persists, especially with laryngospasms or vomiting, this hypothesis should be considered and antibiotics (azithromycin) used to reduce infection. Immunosuppressed patients with chronic heart, lung, or kidney disease are at greater risk of complications, which can manifest as an impossibility to open the mouth normally, stridor (a gasping sound while inhaling), or with difficulty breathing, manifested by rapid breathing and incompetence. The ability to perform physical activity. the basic. Such patients should be examined as soon as possible, preferably with the attending physician.

To prevent these infections, exercise, don’t smoke, eat a healthy diet, and manage chronic illnesses. Everything else is not proven!

Article by Dr. Luis Duarte Costa, Vice President of the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine.