Crowds of patients in clinics. How to protect yourself from respiratory infections?

The autumn infection season has begun. Crowds of sick patients appeared in the clinics. Runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever – they appeared very early this year! Find out what can be done to reduce the risk of catching the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.

1. The autumn infection season started earlier this year, doctors say
2. Until recently, outpatient clinics were dominated by patients with a cold or fever. Now there are more and more people infected with the coronavirus
3. This applies to both adults and children
4. Doctors remind you of the need to wear masks, they also appeal to strengthen your natural immunity
5. We suggest how to do it
6. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

Crowds in clinics – autumn infection or COVID-19?

– The crowds in the clinics should not surprise anyone. For months, the children have not gone to school, they have not met at classes or playgrounds. The youth also had mainly distance learning, few peer contacts. This means that now they have no immunity, they are exposed to any infections, they catch infections very quickly – says Dr. Joanna Zabielska, a family medicine specialist from the Zielona Góra Agreement.

An additional concern this fall is the distinction: is it “just” a common infection or is it a coronavirus infection? It is not immediately known what kind of infection it is.

– For the last three weeks, many more patients with infections, colds, fever and muscle pain have come to me. For several weeks, I have been able to perform quick antigen tests for coronavirus free of charge. Initially, all results were negative. They were normal fall infections. Unfortunately, we have already had positive results for several days. Both in adults and in children – says Agata Sławin, MD, PhD from the Zielona Góra Agreement.

1. COVID-19 symptoms and colds. The doctor tells you how to tell the difference

Doctors point out that it rarely happens that at the beginning of autumn, just after the beginning of the school year, when the weather is not too bad, such crowds appeared in clinics. They are afraid that in a month or two it will be even worse. Bearing in mind the announced fourth wave of COVID-19 cases, it is worth doing everything possible to limit the spread of viruses and strengthen the body.

– Wearing a mask should be a good habit. I have a cold, runny nose, cough – so I wear a mask. I don’t want to infect anyone. I do not want to expose others to infection – urges Dr. Joanna Zabielska from the Zielona Góra Agreement.

1. Anesthesiologist: unvaccinated, young people without any other diseases dominate in intensive care

According to doctors, thanks to properly worn – on the nose and mouth – masks can control infections, reduce the number of infections, both from the coronavirus and the flu.

– So if we want to be safe – let’s wear masks, let’s disinfect our hands and keep our distance – encourages the doctor.

Strengthening natural immunity – how to do it?

1. Remember that physical activity stimulates the production of white blood cells and stimulates the activity of lymphocytes responsible for protecting the body against infectionsSo don’t sit in front of the TV for too long, move around as much as possible. Movement neutralizes stress and mental overload, strengthens the body, adds vital energy. 
2. Harden the body. Movement in the fresh air will help you in this, despite the bad weather. Walking, even in the rain, strengthens the immune system and helps to develop a thermoregulation mechanism. 
3. Get enough sleep. Our body needs sleep to regenerate. The immune system begins to weaken after just 24 hours without sleep. It then produces fewer cytotoxic lymphocytes necessary to fight pathogenic microorganisms. A rested body copes better with the autumn aura, and a rested brain with the autumn sadness.
4. Air your apartment often. This allows you to restore optimal health conditions in the rooms, less conducive to the development of mold, fungi and pathogenic pathogens, as well as the coronavirus. 
5. Do not overheat the apartment. You must know that too warm air dries the mucous membranes of the throat and nose, causing swelling, itching, and nasal obstruction, which is no longer an adequate barrier to pathogenic microbes.

Record number of infections in a very well-vaccinated country

1. Eat healthy. A diet suitable for the fall is one that will provide the body with the right amount of energy. It should be rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grain bread. Vitamins A, C and E, increasing the body’s resistance and regulating metabolism, include, among others: tomatoes, red pepper, broccoli, celery and oranges. Don’t forget to drink enough fluids. If we get cold, a quick way to warm up is hot tea and blackcurrant and rosehip juice.
2. Dress appropriately when you go outside. Make sure not to get cold, but also not to overheat. Wear an onion, a scarf or a scarf to protect you from the wind. Waterproof shoes are also important. 
3. Get vaccinated against the flu and, if you have not done so already, against COVID-19. Vaccination against influenza is especially recommended for the elderly and chronically ill (suffering from diseases of the cardiovascular system, respiratory system – asthma, also patients with diabetes, renal or hepatic insufficiency), as well as people representing “public” professions, who have constant contact with other people. The indications for vaccination are also diagnosed immunodeficiencies, pregnancy in women and obesity. After immunization, the body’s immune system is immune within two weeks.
4. Limit your exposure to the open air on days with very high levels of air pollutionas this weakens the respiratory system and increases the risk of developing an infection. That is why it is worth observing the so-called smog alerts. 

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3. Change to soap, squeaks and excretions. This is how our body behaves after death
4. What will the hepatologist not eat? Here are the products that harm our liver the most

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