Dean of Gazi University Faculty of Medicine and Member of the Coronavirus Scientific Committee of the Ministry of Health Prof. Dr. Mustafa Necmi İlhan assessed the latest situation during the coronavirus epidemic, the increase in cases of flu (influenza ), what needs to be done to strengthen the immune system and the warnings of experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) that camel flu could develop into a new pandemic.
prof. Dr Ilhan recalled that with the ‘micron variant’ that emerged earlier this year, a subvariant with a higher transmission rate but less lethality, he said: “People were infected in large numbers at the beginning . If we recall, the numbers have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Again, citizens over the age of 65, who have lower immune systems and are at higher risk, and citizens with chronic illnesses are most affected worldwide. However, at the point where we have arrived, we are seeing that the new variant is less contagious and at the same time also less lethal. We are currently seeing fewer cases like lower respiratory tract infection aka ‘lung involvement’ among corona virus patients,” he said.
THE QUESTIONS TO HEALTH INSTITUTIONS INCREASE
Ilhan pointed out that we are in a time when respiratory viruses can be numerous, “Maybe we have not lived long in the coronavirus period, but wearing a mask, so influenza (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and at the same time coronaviruses are already seen. In the last period, requests to health institutions, family doctors, private doctors and hospitals for serious respiratory tract infections have increased. The complaints are also very similar. These ailments are mostly in the form of low-grade fever, weakness, runny nose, cough, and sputum. It is very difficult to distinguish which one it is, but thank God it does not involve lower respiratory tract infection. This is a very important thing for us, in other words, it’s not slow.”
Ilhan said citizens over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses are at risk, and those who are ill should isolate themselves to protect themselves from respiratory infections, prevent the route of transmission, and get a flu shot every year. Furthermore, İlhan stressed that in addition to all these measures, citizens should ventilate their surroundings with fresh air.
“IT IS INCORRECT TO USE ANY FOOD SUPPLEMENT AND MEDICINAL PRODUCT”
Stressing that there is information pollution about supplements that strengthen the immune system (immune system), İlhan said, “If we want to have a good immune system, a good immune system, what we must do is eat well and healthy. Before all, of course, it is necessary to stay away from tobacco and alcohol. It is necessary to consume plenty of fluids and follow a balanced and adequate diet. In other words, it is necessary to follow a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. There is no specific food. These get brought up a lot, we see them on screen and social media from time to time, but there’s no need for things like ‘eat this, eat this, this will boost your immune system’ If a doctor has recommended this to people and said, ‘Your immune system is low, use this vitamin,’ then it should be used. It’s not right to use dietary supplements and medicines other than that,” she said.
“NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT CAMEL FLU”
Stating that there should be no panic that camel flu may turn into a new pandemic, Prof. Dr. İlhan continued his words as follows: “A limited number of people from Turkey go to the World Cup. Turkey may be a place where many people come and go, but Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is actually a virus that is spread by breathing rather than by being eaten and smoked. It should be defined as MERS. So you don’t have to worry too much. Obviously avoiding risky situations will come first.”
“A TEST IS BOTH CHEAP AND EASY TO USE”
Noting that the production of a joint diagnostic kit, where four viruses will be detected with a single diagnostic kit, is a very important development, İlhan said, “We have similar studies and many scientists are doing similar studies. I also find the statements of the Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca very valuable. Because the development of such a diagnostic kit will make our hands much easier. I think using a single test instead of using more than one test at the same time will be both cheap and easy and make our work much easier in a single sample. We also have information that it will be activated in a short time. I hope it won’t be necessary anymore, but I think it’s a very important development as we can easily diagnose if needed.”
