The precautions that are being taken to ensure proper health in these cold months are double vaccination against seasonal flu and the new variants of COVID-19.
All the experts point out that this winter the seasonal flu will be stronger than other years.
If to this we add that the SARS-CoV-2 is still among us and new variants of this virus could emerge, many Spaniards are considering adopting extraordinary measures such as vaccination and the return to the use of masks, disinfectants and hydroalcoholic gels on an ongoing basis.
And it is that this new reality is a challenge for health: first it was the flu, then COVID-19 and now it is both.
This has caused a certain part of society to become aware of the seriousness of the situation and has chosen to use preventive measures such as masks that act as a filter to try to protect themselves from respiratory viruses that were not seen so often a few years ago.
Moreover, as the study points out “Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey 2022& rdquor ;, society has begun to care much more about their well-being and their physical health, especially two apparently opposite categories:
- 73% of young people between 18 and 24 years old
- 77% of retirees are over 65 years old.
Among other precautions that are being taken to ensure proper health in these months of coldis the double vaccination against seasonal flu and the new variants of COVID-19, since in recent months the effectiveness of these has been evident and today it is considered one of the keys to fighting the threat of respiratory viruses.
In fact, especially the most vulnerable population, such as those over 65 or chronically ill, are already receiving this double vaccination. The WHO highlights that each year around a billion people are infected by the flu virus, so this winter, in addition, this preventive action is being reconsidered for other population groups, such as children, so that they can be more protected.
In the words of Maria Sancheze-Health Medical Manager of Cigna Spain:
- “This winter we may face a new wave of COVID-19 that adds to the added difficulty of seasonal flu, which comes with more force than other years.”
For this specialist, we must bear in mind that we have not been exposed to the latter for two years due to the use of masks and isolation regulations.
“Our immunity against this class of respiratory viruses has decreased considerably, so it is important to remember that infection can be avoided by being cautious and taking preventive measures such as wearing a mask, carrying out good hand hygiene and even staying at home in cases with obvious symptoms to avoid further contagion.”
Tips to protect ourselves from respiratory viruses
Given this scenario, health experts from the Cigna company propose some guidelines to follow to avoid the spread of respiratory diseases during this winter:
- Nor never forget hand hygiene.
Hands are the main transmission route for germs. Therefore, it is essential to carry out good hygiene practices.
This is especially important after coughing and/or sneezing and when returning from the street to eliminate all germs in the best possible way and thus avoid the transmission of viruses.
Another important point of hygiene is not to reuse used tissues after sneezing or cleaning your nose. Better to throw them away after each use.
- Renewed air to breathe better.
In winter, due to the use of heating, environments dry out and this can be detrimental to health.
To this is also added that, as it is cold, we ventilate less than would be desirable. As a consequence, the air is more “charged”, which increases the chances of contracting any of the respiratory viruses. So specialists recommend maintaining ventilation.
As for the use of humidifiers, they are a good way to avoid drying out the skin, irritating the nasal passages and the throat, symptoms caused by the dryness of the environment.
- The essential role of vitamin C in our organism.
Carrying out a good diet is essential to keep our defenses high and strengthen our immune system against any infection or virus.
And among the best foods for these dates are the citrus seasonal, such as oranges or tangerines or other fruits such as kiwi, mango, papaya or pineapple. All these fruits are rich in vitamin C, the best vitamin to protect yourself from the cold.
In addition to citrus fruits, on the market we can find red fruits such as raspberries, blackberries and blueberries, which are also an option due to their great antioxidant power and help to naturally increase defenses against infectious agents.
The tobacco, the worst enemy for the throat. Smoking tobacco is an added risk factor in any respiratory disease, and is responsible for the increase in severity and possible complications of these.
Although under normal conditions smoking impairs lung function and circulation, if you have contracted a respiratory virus, tobacco exacerbates symptoms and prolongs the disease over time.
This is because this toxin reduces respiratory capacity, generates more secretions and makes it difficult for bronchial mucus to come out. For this reason, it is especially recommended to avoid smoking if you have the flu, a cold or COVID-19.