[Everyone talks about popular science] Winter health special topic (II) Save it quickly ~ Prevention of respiratory infections in winter, see here

The so-called respiratory tract infection mainly refers to a series of diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms invading the respiratory tract and multiplying in the respiratory tract. It includes upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection. Upper respiratory tract infection mainly includes rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tracheobronchitis, pneumonia belong to lower respiratory tract infection diseases.

Common pathogens of respiratory tract infection

With the arrival of winter, the number of patients with respiratory tract infections has gradually increased. Common pathogens of respiratory tract infections include viruses, bacteria, fungi and atypical pathogens (mycoplasma and chlamydia) , all of which can cause respiratory tract infections. Common viruses that cause respiratory tract infections include rhinovirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus and influenza virus. Influenza (referred to as "flu") is a respiratory infectious disease caused by influenza virus that poses a serious threat to human health. The antigenicity of influenza virus is variable and spreads rapidly. It can cause seasonal epidemics every year, and outbreaks can occur in places where people gather, such as schools, childcare institutions and nursing homes. People are generally susceptible to influenza viruses, and high-risk groups such as pregnant women, infants, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases are more seriously harmed by influenza.

Clinical manifestations of influenza

Influenza infection mainly presents with fever, headache, myalgia and general malaise, with body temperature up to 39-40°C, chills, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, dry throat, itchy throat, sore throat, etc., often with dry cough at first and sputum in the later stage. Patients with underlying respiratory diseases have poor control of the symptoms of their original diseases or even worsen. For example, patients with COPD experience wheezing, worsening dyspnea, and corresponding signs. Annual influenza vaccination is an effective means of preventing influenza, which can significantly reduce the risk of influenza and serious complications in recipients.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is widely present around the world, with mostly sporadic cases. Regional epidemics occur approximately every 3 to 6 years and can last up to 1 year. The incidence rate in epidemic years can be several times that of non-epidemic years. The disease is prone to occur in densely populated environments such as schools, kindergartens, and the military.

The clinical manifestations of mycoplasma infection vary , ranging from asymptomatic to nasopharyngitis, pharyngeal tonsillitis, tracheobronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In severe cases, severe pneumonia may occur. Mycoplasma infection can not only manifest as respiratory tract infection, but also manifest as liver damage, encephalitis, acute glomerulonephritis, hemolytic anemia and other manifestations of multi-system involvement outside the lungs. The incubation period is 1 to 3 weeks. The onset is diverse. Most patients only have low fever and fatigue. Some patients may have sudden high fever accompanied by obvious systemic poisoning symptoms such as headache, myalgia and nausea. Respiratory symptoms are most prominent in cough, which often lasts for more than 4 weeks, often accompanied by obvious sore throat, occasional chest pain, and blood in sputum. Among the symptoms other than the respiratory tract, earache, measles-like or scarlet fever-like rash are more common. Very few patients may be accompanied by gastroenteritis, pericarditis, myocarditis, meningoencephalitis, myelitis, hemolytic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, arthritis and hepatitis. Positive signs are more common with significant pharyngeal congestion and tympanic membrane congestion, and a few patients may have cervical lymphadenopathy. There are usually no positive signs in the lungs, and a few patients may hear dry and wet hiccups.

How to reduce respiratory infection and transmission

Taking daily protective measures can also effectively reduce respiratory infections and transmission

1. Maintain good respiratory hygiene habits ; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or towel when coughing or sneezing; wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth;

2. Balanced diet , moderate exercise, adequate rest, indoor ventilation, etc.;

3. Avoid close contact with patients with flu-like symptoms ; during the flu season, try to avoid going to crowded places. Once flu-like symptoms appear, stay at home and observe your health. Do not go to work or class when you are sick. Wear a mask when you come into contact with family members to reduce the spread of the disease.

4. If the condition worsens progressively , you need to go to the hospital for treatment. The patient and the accompanying personnel should wear masks to avoid cross infection;

Maintain the respiratory tract and reduce the incidence of respiratory tract infections through the following aspects

1. Drink more water: Water can help dilute and remove mucus in the respiratory tract, thereby reducing the chance of infection. At the same time, water can also keep the respiratory tract moist, reduce the viscosity of sputum, and facilitate the discharge of sputum.

2. Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which can improve immunity and reduce the risk of infection. Citrus fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C, can help prevent and relieve respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pharyngitis.

3. Avoid tobacco and alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol can irritate and damage the respiratory mucosa, increasing the possibility of respiratory infection. Therefore, try to quit smoking and drinking to maintain respiratory health.

4. Keep warm: Keep warm to prevent the respiratory tract from getting cold and causing infection. In cold weather, take good warming measures, especially protect the throat and chest.

Avoiding contact with infected people during the high-incidence season of respiratory diseases, avoiding crowded enclosed places as much as possible, increasing indoor ventilation, and getting adequate rest and avoiding fatigue are also important measures to prevent respiratory infections.

In addition, vaccination is an effective treatment method to prevent infection with corresponding pathogens. Vaccination can be used to avoid infection with related pathogens or reduce the severity of infection.

1. Flu vaccine: administered once a year.

2. Pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal vaccines include PPSV23 and 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PCV13), which are administered once every 5 years to high-risk groups.

3. Diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine: For COPD patients who have never received the diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus vaccine (Tdap vaccine), it is recommended to get a booster shot to prevent the occurrence of whooping cough, diphtheria and tetanus.

4. COVID-19 vaccine: can reduce the severity and mortality of COVID-19. For specific vaccination precautions and measures, please consult the local health center. There is currently no vaccine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

In general, the key to maintaining respiratory health is to maintain adequate water intake, eat more fruits and vegetables, quit smoking and drinking, and keep the body warm. If respiratory discomfort occurs, timely medical treatment and treatment according to the doctor's orders can alleviate the symptoms and shorten the course of the disease.

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