Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases, Exp. Dr. Fatih Yıldız answered those who were wondering about the infections encountered in the winter season. Answering the question of why respiratory tract infections spread quickly, Dr. Dr. Fatih Yıldız said, “These infections spread from patients to the environment in the form of droplets suspended in the air. After a certain period of time, these droplets descend from the air to flat surfaces such as floors, tables, counters, and when people touch these surfaces, the hands become imperceptibly dirty. Apart from this, the microbes in the nasal discharge, saliva and sputum of the patients are transmitted from the patients to the objects and other people. Therefore, as these infections are spread by both air and contact, large numbers of people become ill at the same time.” he said.
Explaining the microbes that cause respiratory tract infection, Dr. Dr. Fatih Yıldız said, “Many viruses and bacteria cause respiratory diseases. Often the symptoms are similar, although some may cause more severe illness. Influenza (flu virus), cold, group A streptococci and SARS-CoV2 (Covid-19) are the most well known. The most common respiratory infection is actually the common cold and is caused by the Rhinovirus. Apart from this, pneumococci, parainfluenza, RSV, adenovirus, coronaviruses, metapneumovirus, measles, rubella, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Bordetella (pertussis agent), cytomegalovirus (CMV), viruses such as Ebstein-Barr Many microbes that we do not count cause respiratory diseases.” uses expressions.
Stating that it is not possible to protect against cold or flu 100 percent, Uzm. Dr. Fatih Yıldız stated that staying away from sick people, washing hands frequently enough every day, and using masks in crowded environments during epidemic periods are the main precautions.
Apart from these, Uzm stated that proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress control and avoiding harmful habits are very important for the proper functioning of the immune system. Dr. Fatih Yıldız, in addition, said that those with chronic diseases or people over 65 years of age can reduce the risk of getting sick by getting a flu vaccine every year.
Regarding vaccines, Yıldız said:
“No vaccine is 100% protective or indefinite. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine varies according to the influenza viruses that caused the disease that year, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine for 2022 was found to be close to 60%. Just as the measles vaccine will not protect against the flu, the flu vaccine will not protect against colds, sore throats, or other illnesses caused by germs. From this point; I got the flu vaccine this year, but it is meaningless to say that I got sicker than in previous years. What is true is that people at risk get their flu shots before winter starts or get sick and continue to follow other precautions. The benefit of the vaccine; It is not about preventing the disease completely, but also in the form of a mild course of a severe disease, a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths, and the chronic diseases present in the patient not getting out of control.
exp. Dr. Fatih Yıldız, when asked when it is necessary to consult a doctor in respiratory tract infections, said, “Especially the elderly, young children, those with chronic diseases, those undergoing cancer treatment and those who have undergone organ transplantation can suffer from severe illness. High fever lasting more than 2-3 days, producing dark sputum, shortness of breath, feeling faint, increasing loss of appetite and feeding problem, extreme changes in blood sugar or blood pressure indicate severe disease. In this case, it is necessary to seek help from health institutions.” said.
Stating that most of the respiratory tract diseases develop due to viruses, it is unnecessary to use antibiotics in any case. Dr. Fatih Yıldız said that the use of antibiotics even though it is not necessary can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, deterioration of the bacterial flora (microbiome) of the person, and drug side effects.
exp. Dr. Fatih Yıldız suggested the following for strong immunity against infections:
“Eating fresh vegetables and fruits, avoiding foods with added sugar, getting enough quality protein and fats to the body every day are essential for staying healthy and having a strong immune system.
Being physically active and doing sports makes people feel good, get quality sleep and reduce tension. These changes affect the immune system positively.
Get back to your ideal weight. Obesity weakens the immune system and prevents vaccines from being effective.
Getting enough sleep helps the body use energy in the right place and makes healthy choices.
Smoking negatively affects the immune system and harms many organs, especially the respiratory system. Quitting smoking and not smoking in the presence of children and the elderly is a unique effort to be healthy.
If alcohol is consumed excessively, infections are more severe as it causes diabetes, cirrhosis, obesity, cancer and injuries. Limiting alcohol and avoiding alcohol if possible is a very good choice for our lives.”