Respiratory tract infections strain intensive care units

As the weather gets colder, applications to emergency departments due to cough, fever, weakness and respiratory tract infections come to the fore. Infections, which healthy individuals can overcome with mild symptoms, can progress to respiratory failure and hospitalization in some patients. Especially people with conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart failure and diabetes, and people with suppressed immune systems are at risk of severe infections. Experts emphasized that these people should not underestimate the symptoms and neglect their health checks.

Speaking to Cumhuriyet, Emergency Medicine Specialist Assoc. Dr. Ömerul Faruk Aydın pointed out that not every individual fights infections under the same conditions. Stating that the body's resistance to infection may be limited in people with chronic diseases, Aydın stated that a disease that starts simple can lead to serious conditions in a short time.

Stating that the infection may cause respiratory failure in chronic lung patients and worsening of the current health status in those with heart failure, Aydın noted that especially elderly individuals and patients in the risk group should be closely monitored.

FLU VACCINE REDUCES THE RISK OF SEVERE DISEASE

Emphasizing the importance of preventive medicine, Aydin stated that the flu vaccine is an important tool in reducing the risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to influenza. Reminding that the vaccine does not prevent all respiratory infections, Aydin said that people in the risk group should consult their healthcare professionals about vaccination, continue chronic disease controls and take into account new developing symptoms.

Aydin pointed out that not only people in the risk group, but also those who live with them and their caregivers should take precautions, and emphasized that a mild infection of a healthy person can have serious consequences for a vulnerable relative.

NOT EVERYONE LIVES THE SAME WINTER

Stating that sometimes serious disease processes begin with symptoms that seem insignificant in emergency departments, Aydın stated that the statement "He was coughing a little, we thought it would go away" was a striking example of this situation. Aydın noted that a few days of weakness, mild fever or cough may be a sign of serious health problems in some people. Drawing attention to the importance of personal precautions and social sensitivity in preventing diseases, Aydın stated that it is a common responsibility to protect others during the sick period, pay attention to hygiene and especially take care of vulnerable individuals.

Aydın emphasized that preparing for winter does not only mean protecting from the cold and called for awareness towards people in the risk group with the words "Winter is coming for all of us, but we do not all experience the same winter."