Filenews 20 December 2022
Respiratory tract infections are divided into two categories: upper respiratory tract infections, which are usually viral, i.e. due to viruses, and lower respiratory tract, which are mainly caused by bacteria. It is possible that in the course of a viral infection we may also contract a bacterium (epiinfection), resulting in mixed infections.
Respiratory viral infections are the most common in humans, as it is reported that an otherwise healthy child can develop 10-14 attacks, while an otherwise healthy adult 6-8 episodes each year. These infections include a wide range of diseases, from a simple cold to pneumonia. Most of them are caused by viruses, are usually short-lived, and threaten the health of hundreds of millions of people annually.
Transmission:
Respiratory viruses are transmitted from person to person mainly through droplets and airdroplets, which are dispersed by sneezing, coughing and/or talking. Also, they can 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 crowded conditions that prevail during the winter months, due to the cold, but also the Christmas holidays, social events and so on, especially in closed poorly ventilated areas.
The following population groups are more prone to be infected with infection of either 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
- individuals treated with cortisone, cytostatics, and/or other immunomodulatory drugs
- immunocompromised patients
It is obvious that the cold weather and overcrowding in closed and poorly ventilated areas, especially in the winter months, favor the transmission and spread of respiratory viruses. We should therefore take the necessary preventive measures to reduce exposure to them and protect ourselves.
These preventive measures mainly include vaccination, the proper use of masks, the strict application of hygiene rules, and regular ventilation or ventilation of enclosed spaces.
Despite the large number of respiratory viruses, vaccines are available for prevention for both seasonal flu and the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines, when administered correctly and in a timely manner, are the most effective and safe way to protect against the transmission of viruses and serious complications. Especially for people belonging to high-risk groups, vaccination is the most effective prevention measure for serious illness and hospitalization.
Preventive protection measures:
The recommendations for the implementation of good hygiene would be good, especially during the winter when there is an outbreak of these viruses (COVID-19, RSV and Influenza A), to be universally adopted by both children and adults, to protect us and reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Summary:
- Apply regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water or use an alcoholic solution.
- Try to avoid touching the face and specifically the eyes, nose and mouth (gateways of viruses into the body) in cases where you have not applied hand hygiene.
- Avoid or limit your contacts with people who are already ill and have symptoms especially if you belong to vulnerable groups
- Use a mask when indoors and in crowded areas. It is also recommended to use a protective mask in case of social contacts with many unknown people.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, self-isolate and stay at home for at least 24 hours after they have subsided, to avoid transmission to other people.
- If you experience symptoms of a respiratory infection (coughing, sneezing), cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the inner elbow area. Also apply after sneezing or coughing hand hygiene with soap and water, and use an alcoholic solution.
- Carry out good and regular ventilation of personal spaces, home and work.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may have been contaminated by microorganisms
- Avoid attending closed and crowded public places as well as using public transport in case you experience symptoms such as cough, sore throat, general weakness, chills, muscle aches.
- Maintain, where possible, the necessary possible distance in enclosed spaces and where there is overcrowding.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, prefer teleworking wherever possible.
- In case of travel, it is recommended to apply hygiene rules and personal protection measures such as the use of a protective mask, both in the airport area and on board. Upon return, self-monitoring and early detection of possible symptoms are recommended.
- It is recommended that the managers of enclosed spaces and premises apply ways to improve ventilation and frequent air renewal
- Finally, it is recommended to conduct tests for COVID-19 during the days of the gatherings.
It is expected that gatherings during the Christmas and New Year holidays will likely lead to a new wave of rising cases (flu, COVID-19, RSV and the common cold), due to the transmission of respiratory viruses. Our primary concern is the protection of vulnerable groups of the population, limiting as much as possible the risk of their cognition.
Therapy:
Regarding the treatment of respiratory infections, it is necessary to consult your personal doctor or paediatrician. For COVID-19 and influenza, and specifically for high-risk groups, there are now effective drugs that, when administered early by the doctor, can also significantly reduce the risk of serious infection. It is emphasized that the administration of any antibiotic, both in common colds, flu and COVID-19, neither cures nor protects against infections or complications, but only harms, since it can be accompanied by pharmaceutical side effects, but also by the development of resistance to valuable drugs against bacteria, such as antibiotics, so that they are not active when we need them. Regarding symptomatic COVID-19 disease, antivirals are available in specific groups of people at high risk of serious illness, of which your doctor is aware.
Finally, the Ministry of Health follows the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC), the competent 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.
