While there is an increase in respiratory tract infections with seasonal transitions, important warnings came from experts. Internal Medicine Specialist Assoc. Dr. Attila Önmez said that the resumption of complaints in patients in the recovery process may indicate complications such as pneumonia.
Stating that they have observed a significant increase in the number of people applying to the hospital with complaints of fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion and fatigue in recent weeks, Önmez emphasized that especially elderly people and people with chronic diseases should be more careful.
BE CAREFUL IF THE FEVER RISES AGAIN AFTER HEALING!
Stating that most upper respiratory tract infections are mild and patients start to feel better within a few days, Önmez explained that symptoms may reappear in some people after recovery.
Önmez said, "This situation must be taken into consideration. Because a re-deterioration in the recovery process may indicate the development of infection-related complications, especially pneumonia. Especially if the fever increases again, the cough becomes increasingly severe and is accompanied by shortness of breath, patients should be evaluated without delay."
FLU, COLD AND COVID-19 CAN BE CONFUSED
Stating that respiratory tract infections can occur with similar symptoms, Önmez said that cold, flu and Covid-19 cannot always be distinguished from each other just by looking at the symptoms.
Pointing out that cough and sore throat should not be considered as a simple cold, Önmez stated that the general health status of the patient should be examined in detail in case of symptoms such as high fever, intense muscle pain, significant weakness and breathing difficulties.
Önmez said, "The course of the infection, the person's age and accompanying diseases determine the treatment approach. It is not right to apply the same treatment to every patient."
THE RISK IS HIGHER IN THOSE WITH CHRONIC DISEASES
Stating that respiratory tract infections can be more severe in older people and those with chronic diseases, Önmez warned especially patients with diabetes, COPD, asthma and heart failure.
Önmez said, "An infection that occurs with mild symptoms in healthy individuals may have a more severe course in patients with suppressed immune systems or people with chronic diseases."
Emphasizing that infections can make it difficult to control existing chronic diseases, Önmez noted that in some patients, the infection can progress to the lower respiratory tract and cause pneumonia and conditions requiring hospital treatment.
WARNING FOR UNCONSCIOUS USE OF ANTIBIOTIC
Önmez stated that one of the common mistakes made in respiratory tract infections is to use antibiotics without consulting a physician, and reminded that most upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses.
Önmez stated that antibiotics do not have a therapeutic effect in viral infections, and that unnecessary use of antibiotics does not accelerate healing, on the contrary, it can lead to antibiotic resistance and undesirable side effects.
Önmez warned, "Antibiotic treatment should only be used in cases deemed necessary as a result of a physician's evaluation. It is not right for patients to start medication on their own."
DO NOT WASTE TIME WITH THESE SYMPTOMS
Önmez emphasized that especially shortness of breath, chest pain, change of consciousness and significant breathing difficulties should not be neglected.
"Not every sore throat or cough requires a visit to the emergency room. However, time should not be wasted when symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, change of consciousness and significant difficulty in breathing occur," said Önmez, adding that if the fever rises again and the cough gradually increases, a doctor should be consulted.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE TO PREVENT INFECTIONS?
Referring to the precautions that can be taken to protect against respiratory infections and reduce the risk of transmission, Önmez recommended frequent washing of hands, regular ventilation of closed environments and avoiding close contact with sick people.
Stating that people with symptoms of the disease should rest at home and stay away from crowded environments as much as possible, Önmez said that the use of masks in closed and crowded areas can reduce the risk of contamination.
Stating that adequate sleep, balanced nutrition and appropriate fluid consumption support the healing process, Önmez noted that having people in the risk group get the vaccinations recommended by their physicians plays an important role in protecting them from serious infections.
