by Like every December, respiratory infections are experiencing their peak of contagion. But there are still difficult days in January in health centers, since the peak of this season’s flu is expected for next week.
Specifically, due to the high incidence of influenza A cases in Spain, the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) reminds us of the importance of prevention when it comes to avoiding contagion.
Among the ten recommendations are:
-Wash your hands frequently: before eating, handling food, after leaving the bathroom and after blowing your nose or coughing.
-Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing: if you can, use your arm or a tissue instead of your hand.
-Use disposable tissues: throw them away after each use, do not put them in your used pocket or leave them on tables or nightstands.
-Avoid kisses and very close contact, as well as sharing glasses, cutlery, towels and other objects that may have been in contact with saliva or secretions.
-If there is someone in your house with a complaint, clean common surfaces (doorknobs, sinks, handles) more frequently with the usual cleaning products and ventilate the rooms more often by opening the windows.
-Lead a healthy life: sleep well, eat a healthy diet, drink water, lead a basically active life, avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
-The use of a mask is only recommended in the following cases:
+People who are sick or have started with symptoms compatible with flu when they are in the presence of other people, maximum in poorly ventilated areas.
+Healthy caregivers of a person with influenza A (H1N1) or with symptoms compatible with it when they are in the presence of the sick person.
+In closed places and always try to have as much ventilation as possible.
-The flu vaccine is indicated if you belong to a risk group (chronically ill, obese, people over 65 years of age, children over 6 months old with illnesses, healthcare workers)
-The virus can be transmitted from 1 day before symptoms begin until 7 days later, with a maximum contagion capacity the first 3 days after symptoms begin. It is recommended to stay home to ensure you do not spread it to others.
-If you have any questions, consult a health professional.
According to the latest data from the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), flu cases doubled in mid-December when the incidence of covid-19 also increased.
The incidence rate of acute respiratory diseases in Spain in Primary Care stood at 739.9 per 100,000 inhabitants in the third week of December, which represents an increase of 37.17% compared to the previous week, especially in influenza , according to the ISCIII.
