The increased transmission is mainly due to the confinement and permanence of people in closed environments with poor ventilation
To the low temperatures affect the spread of viruses that cause infections such as the flu, Coldand also the COVID-19. Although winter only begins on June 21st, autumn also sees an increase in cases of diseases such as rhinitis, asthma AND bronchitis. Also, considered the most propitious times for the proliferation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)as these are the coldest and driest seasons, it is also more common to observe cases of bronchiolitis AND pneumonia among the children. Attention should also be paid to the elderly and those most susceptible to serious conditions.
According to the Virtual Health Library of Ministry of Healththe transmission of these diseases is mainly due to confinement and permanence closed spaces and with poor ventilationsituation that tends to facilitate the circulation of microorganisms, mainly respiratory viruses.
“In closed environments, the contagion from respiratory transmitted viruses is much greater. Everyone should keep the place ventilated, which minimizes the possibility of the virus being transmitted between people, remaining in the air for a few hours and falling on surfaces , contaminating far more people,” warns the virtual library.
To prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses, correct and frequent hand sanitization, especially among children of legal age who are more likely to put their hands in their mouths. While not mandatory in most environments today, wearing a face mask is also indicated, especially for people who are more susceptible to viruses or even have colds so they don’t pass them on to others.
On colder days, it is also advisable to hydrate well, as well as maintain a balanced diet, exercise and wear clothes suitable for the season. “Avoiding heat shock is very important, and people with low immunity are more susceptible to respiratory disease. If there is a more intense symptom, it is crucial to seek medical attention quickly,” guides the Ministry of Health. In some cases, medical follow-up is essential to prevent respiratory disease.
Flu, cold and covid-19
OR the increase in cases of diseases affecting the respiratory system also occurs due to habits. In the cold, poorly ventilated environments are chosen, which facilitate the transmission of viruses and bacteria. Dry weather and increased pollution can also be aggravating factors for the onset of the flu, cold or covid-19.
Avoid agglomerations
The ideal is to avoid poorly ventilated environments with many people.
Pay particular attention to dust and mold
During the cold weather, it is common to use that blanket and coat that had been forgotten in the closet, but it is recommended that these items are clean to avoid allergic crises.
To avoid contamination, in case of flu and cold, the rules are the same as for the prevention of covid-19: wash your hands when possible and use 70 volume alcohol to clean as much as necessary.
Balanced nutrition and hydration
Healthy habits are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Therefore, having a balanced diet, maintaining body hydration, sleeping well, and having a balanced routine help the body protect itself from threats.
In addition to covid, updated flu vaccine
With the increased circulation of some viruses during the autumn and winter, it is necessary to keep the vaccination card up to date.
allergic rhinitis
An allergy is an exacerbated reaction of the immune system to external agents. In case of respiratory allergiesthe most common are rhinitis and asthma, although these inflammatory diseases are not always caused by allergies.
While rhinitis inflames the mucous membranes of the upper airways, asthma it reaches the lower airways, which makes it dangerous, as the air passage can be blocked, cut off oxygenation and lead to death if there is no medical assistance.
When a person has the allergic rhinitis, the most common symptoms are itchy nose, nasal obstruction and serial sneezing. Asthmatics often suffer from shortness of breath, wheezing (wheezing), cough and chest pain. Pollution, the smell of perfume or cleaning products, cigarette smoke do not cause respiratory allergies, but can trigger rhinitis or asthma attacks.
Even sudden changes in temperature, common in autumn and winter, can trigger rhinitis or asthma attacks.
asthma attacks
Second Ministry of Health, asthma is a disease that causes difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest. “The disease can be treated, and complications can be prevented by avoiding exposure to dust, mites and fungi,” she adds.
Asthma has no cure, but with proper treatment, symptoms can ease and even disappear over time. Therefore, medical follow-up from the outset is essential.
According to the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Physiology (SBPT), there are an estimated 20 million asthmatics in Brazil – Illness is one of the main causes of school and work absences.
The most common symptoms of asthma
- Dry cough;
- wheezing in the chest;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Quick and short breathing;
- chest discomfort;
- Anxiety.
The treatment aims to improve the person’s quality of life by controlling symptoms and improving lung function, according to the Ministry of Health. OR treatment medicated is performed together with educational measureswhich involve controlling the factors that can trigger an asthma attack.
Treatment is defined on the basis of symptoms, clinical history and functional evaluation, on an individual basis. In general, medications are used to relieve symptoms quickly and maintain seizure control..
How to control rhinitis and asthma
- Medicines: Do not resort to self-medication and do not treat yourself only in the event of a crisis, as this could harm your health. Medical follow-up is essential.
- Environmental cleaning: Think of your vacuum cleaner as the most important cleaning tool in your home. Do not use brooms or dusters, which raise dust. Home or car air conditioning systems must be sanitized to prevent the proliferation of mites, fungi, viruses and bacteria.
- Humidifier: A humidifier can help on the driest days, but care must be taken not to leave the environment too humid and conducive to the proliferation of mites, who love humid and warm environments.
- Sun: Take advantage of strong sunny days to kill dust mites on pillows and duvets.
- Cabinet: Choose hypoallergenic pillows and mattress covers. If you plan to remove quilts, coats and other clothes that have been stored in the closet for a long time, be sure to wash them and preferably hang them out in the sun before using them. Dress warmly, especially in cold weather
- Exercises: Practicing aerobic physical exercises at least three times a week helps inhibit asthma attacks. However, before practicing, consult a doctor, as you need to get your asthma under control to exercise.
- Home: Stuffed animals, books, carpets, rugs and curtains are deposits of mites and dust. Less is more. If you can’t dispose of all of these items, try storing them in plastic and vacuum them frequently. If possible, give preference to leather sofas and armchairs, which are easier to clean and accumulate less dust.
- Triggers: Strong perfumes, smoke, pollution, cleaning products can further irritate the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, triggering seizures. Avoid what is possible.
- Nasal wash: learn to do nasal cleansing with warm saline to remove excess mucus.
- Fragrances: Avoid strong smells.
- Updated vaccinations: Get the flu shot.
- Cigarette: Avoid contact with smoke.
- Nutrition and hydration: Have a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids (water).
How to differentiate asthma from pharyngitis, laryngitis and sinusitis?
- Asthma – dry cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- Pharyngitis – sore throat.
- Laryngitis – hoarseness.
- Sinusitis – inflammation of the mucous membranes of the sinuses, a region of the skull formed by bony cavities around the nose, cheekbones and eyes.
acute bronchitis
It is an inflammatory process of the bronchial mucosa, usually preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection. According to the Goiás State Department of Health, it is more common in winter and is often caused by the same viruses as colds.
The most common viruses are: adenovirus, Influence, corona virus AND rhinovirus.
Now the bacteria: Chlamydia pneumoniae, Whooping cough bag AND Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Secondly, the pneumococcus it can also invade the bronchial tree.
Acute bronchitis is characterized by a dry, irritating cough with an uncomfortable sensation. In the most advanced stage, with the presentation of an infectious condition, sputum appears (first mucous, and then mucopurulent). It is important to seek out a health professional so that the correct treatment is indicated. In addition to dust, other chemicals such as smoke and paint can also enter the lungs and trigger the disease.
Among the preventive measures there are also: the correct hygiene of the mothers and covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
bronchiolitis and pneumonia
Considered the most propitious times for the proliferation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)because they are the coldest and driest seasons, in autumn and winter it is more frequent observe the increase in children hospitalized with bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Therefore, preventive measures and early diagnosis are tools to prevent the worsening of the clinical condition.
belonging to the genus pneumovirus, RSV is a major agent of acute respiratory tract infection. The virus reaches the bronchi and lungs. There is no RSV vaccination. Only in the case of babies born premature up to the 28th week of gestation or with risk factors such as babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital heart disease, a program of the Ministry of Health offers palivizumabspecific antibody against the syncytial virus, applied once a month for five months, before the period of greatest circulation of the virus, to avoid serious forms of the disease.
Respiratory viruses have common symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat and runny nose. In RSV, what attracts attention is the age of the child – it usually affects children up to 2 years of age most frequently – and respiratory distress, symptoms associated with the time of year in which circulation of the virus predominates .
Although there is no vaccine available, taking children for flu and covid-19 vaccines reduces the chance that they will have respiratory problems from these other viruses, which are also dangerous. This consequently decreases children’s exposure to RSV.
Breastfeeding, for example, is an important immune booster. That is, early weaning makes the baby more fragile. Furthermore, in the case of smokers, it is important to prevent the child from being exposed to smoke.
In the case of bronchiolitis, children can transmit RSV for more than a week. Even after you show improvement, it’s important to pay attention.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
