Respiratory tract infections are divided into two categories: infections of the upper respiratory tract, which are usually viral, i.e. caused by viruses, and of the lower respiratory tract, which are mainly caused by bacteria. It is possible in the course of a viral infection to be infected by a bacterium (infection) at the same time, resulting in mixed infections.
Respiratory virus infections are the most common in humans, as it is reported that an otherwise healthy child may experience 10-14 infections, while an otherwise healthy adult may experience 6-8 episodes each year. These infections include a wide range of diseases, from a simple cold to pneumonia. Most are caused by viruses, are usually short-lived, and threaten the health of hundreds of millions of people each year.
Transmission:
Respiratory viruses are transmitted from person to person mainly through droplets and airborne droplets, which are spread by sneezing, coughing and/or talking. They can also be transmitted through contact with surfaces recently contaminated with droplets if hand hygiene measures are not observed. In addition, the transmission of viruses is facilitated by the confusing conditions prevailing during the winter months due to cold weather, but also during Christmas holidays, social events and so on, particularly in enclosed, poorly ventilated places.
The following population groups are reported to be most susceptible to contracting an infection, either of the upper or lower respiratory tract:
- overweight
- chronic smokers
- people reporting cardiovascular problems
- people suffering from respiratory problems
- elderly people (≥ 65 years old)
- people suffering from diabetes mellitus
- people with autoimmune diseases
- people receiving cortisone therapy, cytostatic, and/or other immunomodulatory drugs
- immunosuppressed patients
It is evident that cold weather and coexistence in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces, especially in the winter months, are conducive to the transmission and spread of respiratory viruses. Therefore, we should take the necessary preventive measures to reduce exposure to them and protect ourselves.
These preventive measures primarily include vaccination, proper mask use, strict application of hygiene rules, and regular ventilation or airing of enclosed spaces.
Despite the large number of respiratory viruses, preventive vaccines are available for both seasonal influenza and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines, when administered correctly and in a timely manner, are the most effective and safest way to protect against viral transmission and serious complications. Particularly for people belonging to high-risk groups, vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent serious diseaseand hospital admission
Preventive protection measures:
The recommendations to practice good hygiene would be good, especially in winter when there is an upsurge of these viruses (COVID-19, RSV and Influenza A), to be universally adopted by both children and adults to protect ourselves and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. In summary:
- Practice regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or use an alcohol-based solution.
- Try to avoid touching the face and in particular the eyes, nose and mouth (gateways for viruses to enter the body) in cases where you have not practiced hand hygiene.
- Avoid or limit your contact with people who are already ill and have symptoms especially if you belong to vulnerable groups
- Use a mask when indoors and in crowded places. It is also recommended to use a protective mask in case of social contacts with many unknown people.
- If you have symptoms of respiratory infection, self-limit and stay at home for at least 24 hours after they have subsided to avoid transmission to other people.
- If you develop symptoms of respiratory infection (coughing, sneezing), cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inner elbow area. Also apply hand hygiene after sneezing or coughing with soap and water, and use an alcohol solution.
- Carry out good and regular ventilation of personal, home and work areas.
- Carry out regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and objects likely to be contaminated by micro-organisms
- Avoid being in enclosed and crowded public places and using public transport in case of symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, general weakness, chills, myalgia.
- Maintain, where possible, the necessary distance in enclosed spaces and where there is confusion.
- If you have symptoms of respiratory infection, give preference to teleworking where possible.
- If travelling, it is recommended to apply hygiene rules and personal protection measures such as the use of a protective mask, both at the airport and on board the aircraft. On return, self-monitoring and early detection of possible symptoms is recommended.
- It is recommended that managers of enclosed spaces and premises implement ways to improve ventilation and frequent air renewal
- Finally, testing for COVID-19 is recommended on days of concentrations.
It is expected that concentrations during the Christmas and New Year holidays are likely to lead to a new wave of increased cases (influenza, COVID-19, RSV and common cold) due to the transmission of respiratory viruses. Our primary concern is to protect vulnerable groups of the population, limiting as much as possible their risk of becoming ill.
Treatment:
Regarding the treatment of respiratory infections, it is necessary to consult your personal physician or pediatrician. For COVID-19 and for influenza, and in particular for high-risk groups, there are now effective drugs which, when administered in time by a doctor, can also significantly reduce the risk of serious infection. It is stressed that the administration of any antibiotic, both for common colds and influenza and COVID-19, neither cures nor protects against infections or complications, but only harms, since it can be accompanied by adverse drug side effects and the development of resistance to valuable anti-bacterial drugs, such as antibiotics, so that they are ineffective when we need them. With regard to symptomatic COVID-19 disease, there are antivirals available in specific groups of people at high risk of severe disease that your doctor is aware of.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Health follows the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC), the relevant National Public Health Services and the Special Scientific Bodies for vaccination and observance of the necessary protective measures, so that we can have happy family gatherings with our loved ones.
(AF)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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