Precautions to Protect Against Winter Infections

Measures to Protect Against Winter Infections As we enter the winter months and temperatures drop, the time spent in enclosed spaces increases. With mask usage declining compared to the past two years, many respiratory tract infections have an easy chance of spreading. Dr. Yasemin Balbay, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist at Acıbadem Taksim Hospital, noted that colds, influenza, Covid-19 infection, RSV-related respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis and lower respiratory tract infections (COPD, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.) are spreading rapidly in both adults and children; "We can see infections caused by influenza A and B, Covid-19 and RSV both individually and as a 'triple epidemic' with two or three viruses together" he said. Noting that such infections pose the greatest risk in children, elderly people and those with chronic illnesses, Dr. Yasemin Balbay states that virus-caused infections spread through droplets dispersed by coughing and sneezing, and through lack of attention to hygiene and social distancing. Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Yasemin Balbay explained seven simple but effective measures that everyone can take against winter infections, and made important warnings and recommendations.

• Pay attention to hygiene, masks and social distancing rules!

Among the measures to be taken to protect against infections; wearing masks, maintaining social distance and following hygiene rules are of great importance. Dr. Yasemin Balbay states "Just as disease spreads through respiration, dirty hands pose a major risk for transmitting germs. People pick up viruses throughout the day by touching their mouths, noses or eyes with dirty hands. Additionally, microbes easily spread when hands contaminated with oral and nasal secretions come into contact with other people or objects. Therefore, special care should be taken to maintain hand hygiene, particularly with disinfectant or soap and water. Avoiding closed and crowded spaces as much as possible, and when in such spaces, wearing a mask and maintaining at least one metre of social distance are critically important" he said.

• Get vaccinated

Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Yasemin Balbay, noting that to prevent the spread of disease in the community and protect those at risk, they recommend annual flu vaccination and Covid-19 vaccination according to the scheme and requirements deemed appropriate by the Ministry of Health, states: "The World Health Organization closely monitors changes in the influenza virus and makes annual recommendations for vaccine composition. Under current conditions, mRNA vaccines have been shown to be the most effective vaccine group against Covid-19 infection. Their contents are regularly updated according to the characteristics of variants."

• Do not neglect your sleep

Dr. Yasemin Balbay emphasizes that adequate, quality and regular sleep are essential rules for strengthening immunity and increasing the body's defence against disease.

• Ventilate your space for 5 minutes every hour

Noting that frequent ventilation of enclosed spaces is extremely important for protection against diseases commonly seen in winter, Dr. Yasemin Balbay states "In enclosed spaces, microbes spread rapidly to the environment through droplets dispersed by coughing and sneezing. In crowded and enclosed spaces such as schools and workplaces, the risk of these microbes spreading increases. Therefore, we recommend that enclosed spaces be ventilated for at least 5 minutes every hour. To protect ourselves from infections, we should also pay attention to regularly ventilating rooms in our homes. Additionally, we should adjust the temperature of the house well and prevent the air from becoming excessively dry" he said.

• Dress in layers and wear a hat

During winter months, clothes should be chosen that do not cause sweating, are not too thick, and at the same time do not cause chilling. Noting that wearing thin clothes in one or two layers rather than a single thick garment in cold weather provides better protection in terms of maintaining heat balance, Dr. Yasemin Balbay states that the warmth of the feet also needs to be well protected. It is advisable to choose cotton socks that do not cause sweating and are not too heavy, and shoes that provide good thermal insulation. Additionally, since heat loss from the head can be significant, wearing a hat or beanie is of great importance.

• Drink plenty of water and consume oranges, mandarins and pomegranate

Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Yasemin Balbay, drawing attention to the critical role that healthy nutrition plays in fighting disease, states: "Healthy nutrition and adequate water consumption play an extremely important role in increasing body resistance. Nutrition should be rich in proteins, and vegetables and fruits containing plenty of vitamins, particularly oranges, mandarins and pomegranates which are rich in vitamin C, should be consumed with due care. Consuming adequate amounts of water regulates blood circulation, accelerates metabolism and facilitates the removal of harmful substances and toxins from the body. Since excessive sugar consumption weakens the immune system and leads to obesity, sugar and harmful carbohydrates should be avoided."

• Exercise

One of the most important ways to increase body resistance is to avoid a sedentary lifestyle and exercise regularly. Dr. Yasemin Balbay states "Having a regular exercise habit suited to one's age and physical capability strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance against disease. During winter months, it may seem difficult to go outside and walk or exercise due to cold weather, but walking at a brisk pace for 45 minutes at least three days a week will make a significant contribution to increasing body resistance and protecting against disease" he said.