This is the best time of the year for respiratory viruses like the flu, colds and other viruses that cause flu-like conditions.
While cold temperatures allow viruses to survive the winter better, the holiday season, with Christmas and New Years, causes us to congregate indoors in confined spaces, thus increasing the transmission risks for us and our loved ones. Preparing your body well to face winter is therefore essential.
How are winter viruses transmitted?
- Either by direct contact through the postilions and saliva of an infected person, or by the contaminated droplets which remain suspended in the air after being emitted during a cough or sneeze.
- Either by direct or indirect contact with the hands, by shaking hands or by handling infected objects such as elevator buttons, cutlery, headphones and mobile phones, or children’s toys and blankets.
WINTER VULNERABILITY
Low temperatures weaken our immune system and can irritate the nasal lining, making us more susceptible to infections. When it is cold, respiratory viruses such as influenza are also more resistant and survive longer, increasing the risk of infection.
A DIFFICULT WINTER TO PREDICT
Winter promises to be particularly difficult since other viruses will circulate and may also cause flu symptoms: fevers, muscle aches, fatigue, cough … The fear is to see the flu virus and other influenza viruses circulating simultaneously. winter, at the risk of saturating health systems. At home, remember that the flu causes the hospitalization of many patients each year with complications. Prevention is therefore essential.
The numbers to remember:
- Viruses can survive for up to 12 hours on a tissue: it is therefore recommended to always use disposable tissue and throw it in the trash after use.
- 80% of germs are transmitted through the hands: it is therefore obvious that to avoid any transmission of bacteria or viruses, you must avoid shaking hands and especially wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- A sneeze can propel germs up to 6 meters: to avoid infecting people in this area, have the reflex to sneeze into your elbow.
- Coughing can propel germs at 50 km / h: have the right reflex and wear a mask if you are sick.
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