Common Respiratory Tract Infections Seen in Recent Times

Prof. Dr. İsmail Balık shared information on respiratory tract infections that have become common in society recently. Balık stated that respiratory tract infections increase every year in Turkey from autumn through the end of winter, but that there is currently no epidemic situation, saying, "Especially with the opening of schools, respiratory tract viruses begin to increase, and then continue with fluctuations until May. The course of respiratory tract infections in our country generally follows this pattern."

Prof. Dr. Balık pointed out that there are periods when viral infections reach their "peak," and continued as follows:

"In recent days, there has been a notable increase in some respiratory tract viral infections. Among these, the virus we call 'rhinovirus,' which causes colds and common cold, ranks first. The majority of patients who come to us present with this picture. After that, we see RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), influenza, and Covid-19 in order."

"Those showing ordinary cold symptoms do not need to get tested"

Balık noted that physicians can distinguish some viruses by their unique symptoms, but that viruses cannot be identified based on symptoms alone, adding that viruses can be definitively identified through testing. Prof. Dr. Balık stated, "Actually, people who are not in the risk group, who do not have severe infection presentations, particularly those without pneumonia signs, and who show ordinary cold symptoms do not need to go to hospitals or large health facilities to get these tests done."

Pay attention to pneumonia symptoms

Balık noted that ordinary colds are characterized by tearing eyes, nasal discharge, cough, sneezing, sometimes fever, throat irritation, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting, and stated that those with signs of pneumonia must consult a health facility. Balık said, "People can recognize pneumonia symptoms as follows: severe cough, continuous sputum discharge, shortness of breath, high fever—if these are present, it means the viral infection has spread to the lungs or caused complications in the lungs. This can occur due to a viral infection or a bacterial infection that follows it. In this case, one must definitely consult a health facility and get examined."

"People who are ill must wear masks in crowded places"

Prof. Dr. İsmail Balık emphasized that respiratory tract viruses spread in a similar manner, saying, "These viruses spread particularly through the respiratory tract in crowded environments. For this reason, during periods when the disease is prevalent, we can protect ourselves from viral infections by avoiding crowded places unless absolutely necessary."

Balık, recommending that those showing disease symptoms stay away from crowded places as much as possible, continued:

"If people showing disease symptoms must enter crowded places such as buses, metro, or workplaces, they must wear masks. Sick people wearing masks is a very important protection method in terms of preventing and blocking the spread of infections in society. We also recommend that people in the risk group wear masks in crowded places during this period. Not just Covid-19, but masks are a very useful protection method against all respiratory tract viruses, and it is beneficial to continue this especially during winter months. Of course, hand hygiene is also very important, as viruses can also spread through contact with surfaces. For example, if you touch surfaces on a bus or metro and then touch your mouth or face without washing your hands, the disease can easily spread."

"Those who have had a cold should never use antibiotics"

Balık emphasized that viruses are treated with specific medications recommended by doctors, saying, "Antibiotics, on the other hand, are only effective in treating infections caused by bacteria, that is, antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Therefore, those who have had a cold should never use antibiotics. In such diseases, antibiotics will not only be ineffective but can also lead to the development of antibiotic resistance." Noting that antibiotic treatment can only be started by doctors in cases of suspected bacterial infection, Balık recommended to those who have had a cold to use medications prescribed by physicians, drink plenty of fluids, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

"Contagiousness can persist until the end of the illness"

Prof. Dr. Balık pointed out that viral infections are common in schools as well, noting that it is important that sick children not be sent to school until their acute symptoms subside. Explaining that the contagious period varies from virus to virus, Balık said, "Contagiousness generally begins 1-2 days before symptoms appear and can last until the end of the illness. However, especially during the period when symptoms are severe, it is advisable not to go to work, school, or crowded places, and to wear a mask if one must go."   Source