Upper respiratory tract infections increased

Karadeniz Technical University Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü stated that seasonal cycles have been disrupted due to climate change and a global increase has been observed in respiratory infections, especially Covid-19.

Özlü, who stated that respiratory system diseases are closely related to climatic conditions and that the frequency of these diseases increases during seasonal changes, said, “Respiratory system diseases are closely related to climatic conditions. We see an increase in the frequency of these diseases during climate changes. We see allergic diseases occur more frequently in the summer and spring months. In the winter, we encounter more respiratory tract infections. However, this balance is gradually disrupted due to global warming. In recent years, both the timing of seasonal changes and our habits of encountering these diseases have changed. Last year, we followed many patients with viral infections and pneumonia throughout the summer. This is not only the case for Turkey but also globally. When we look at the figures reported in Europe, an increase in the frequency of viral infections, especially Covid-19, and related respiratory tract infections was observed.”

SYMPTOMS MAY OVERLAP

Prof. Dr. Özlü, who drew attention to the fact that complaints related to allergic diseases increase with the spring months, stated that it may be difficult to distinguish between infection and allergy, and said, “Now, with the arrival of spring, we may encounter symptoms related to allergic diseases. These may overlap with each other, so it may be difficult to distinguish. All of them may have complaints such as cough, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, sneezing, headache and sore throat. The presence of fever, weakness and malaise, deterioration of general condition and shortness of breath accompanying them draw attention to infection and asthma. During this period, it is beneficial for patients to be careful about respiratory tract infections and optimize their current treatments.”

'SEASONAL CYCLES HAVE CHANGED'

Stating that patients who have had a viral infection can catch another virus in a short time, Prof. Dr. Özlü said, “Generally, immunity develops in the body after having a viral infection. However, it is possible to get sick again if we catch another viral infection. Especially recently, we have been encountering complaints such as, 'I had an illness, I caught another infection before I got better', 'Why is this happening, is it normal for it to recur so many times?' Although the disease is actually similar, the factors are different. When we look at it, there may be attacks due to influenza, para influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), rhinovirus, Covid-19, other coronaviruses other than Covid-19, human metapneumovirus and similar viruses. You catch the disease. You get over it with or without treatment, but after a while you catch another virus and this cycle continues. Despite the warming of the weather, there is no complete decrease or complete disappearance in the frequency of these infections. Seasonal cycles have changed.”

'WE NEED TO KEEP OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM STRONG'

Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü said, “In order to protect ourselves from viral respiratory tract infections, we must first keep our immune system strong. It is important to improve general living standards. Hygiene, drinking plenty of water, drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy and balanced diet and getting enough sleep strengthen your immune system. Our patients in the risk group should definitely have their flu vaccines in September and October. They should also be vaccinated against pneumonia. In order to stay away from infection, we recommend that you do not breathe the same air as patients who are sick, have a fever and are coughing, and in closed areas.”