1ST CITY CLINICAL HOSPITAL

Prevention of acute respiratory infections

17.10.2024

Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) are a common group of viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract. These include influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial, rhinovirus and other infections.

The source of infection is a person who is ill with a clinically expressed or latent form of ARVI. The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets and through contaminated hands or objects that contain pathogens.

Despite the variety of acute respiratory viral infections, the greatest danger is posed by influenza, as it causes the greatest number of complications, both from the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and other organs and systems.

The most effective method of flu prevention is vaccination. Flu vaccination is included in the National Calendar of Preventive Vaccinations of the Republic of Belarus and is carried out among high-risk groups for adverse effects of the disease: children from 6 months to 3 years old; persons with chronic diseases and immunodeficiency states; pregnant women; persons aged 65 years and older. And in groups with high flu infection due to professional characteristics, it is advisable for workers in the trade, catering, utilities and other sectors to undergo vaccination.

Key recommendations for the population during periods of increased incidence of acute respiratory infections:

• avoid being in crowded places, use masks (when visiting a clinic, when caring for a sick person);
• avoid contact with persons with symptoms of acute respiratory infection;
• wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap, and be sure to do so after visiting public places or using public transport;
• use antiseptics if it is not possible to wash your hands and, if necessary, use antiseptics;
• you can and should walk outside, the main thing is not to get too cold;
• regularly ventilate the premises, carry out wet cleaning.

In addition, it is necessary to observe respiratory etiquette:

• When coughing and sneezing, use a handkerchief, or better yet, disposable paper tissues, which should be thrown away immediately after use;
• if you don’t have a handkerchief, you should sneeze and cough not into your palms, but, for example, into the bend of your elbow, since traditionally covering your mouth with your palm leads to the spread of infection through your hands and household items;
• It is important to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap or treat them with antiseptics, and try not to touch your lips, nose, and eyes with your hands. Remember that germs and viruses get on your hands from literally everything - from your nose, the hands of friends when shaking hands, handrails on the bus, door handles, money, etc.

If you could not avoid the disease, if symptoms of acute respiratory viral infection appear (fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, etc.), stay home and consult a doctor, do not self-medicate. Any viral disease suffered "on your feet" can lead to undesirable consequences and complications in the future. In addition, a sick person infects others.

Vaccination against influenza, as well as the responsible attitude of each person to preventive measures, will help influence the epidemic process in terms of limiting the spread of respiratory infections among the population and maintaining health.