Minister Fahrettin Koca issues warning: 'It is spreading rapidly!'

Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca, in a post on his social media account, emphasized that we are in a season where respiratory diseases are common, stating, "We are seeing the most significant increase in infections we call the common cold. Because the time we spend in indoor environments has increased with the onset of cold weather, the common cold is spreading more rapidly."

"THE MOST BASIC CONDITION FOR PROTECTION IS TO ADHERE TO HEALTHY LIVING RULES"

In his post, Koca also included a video by Hacettepe University Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Serhat Ünal, which explains what should be done to prevent the transmission of the disease.

We are in a season where respiratory infections are common. We are seeing the most significant increase in the infection we call the common cold. Because the time we spend in indoor environments has increased with the onset of cold weather, the common cold is spreading more rapidly. What should we do to prevent transmission? Our expert explains: pic.twitter.com/Kv3lBzrGY9

— Dr. Fahrettin Koca (@drfahrettinkoca) January 8, 2024

Ünal stated that respiratory infections are divided into upper and lower respiratory tract infections and provided the following information:

"Upper respiratory tract infections are infections occurring up to the point where the trachea branches. Many infections such as sinusitis, pharyngitis, the common cold, and otitis can occur inside the nose. During these days, which are called the respiratory infection season, an increase can occur in all these infections, but the most significant increase is in the common cold.

In these seasons, with the onset of cold weather, the transmission rate increases because the time spent in indoor places increases, and respiratory colds are seen very frequently. It manifests itself as an illness characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue, and a fever that does not exceed 38 degrees."

Drawing attention to the prevention of transmission in these infections, Ünal said, "The most basic condition for protection against the common cold and such infections is to adhere to healthy living rules. That is, to follow basic healthy living rules such as paying attention to sleep, eating a balanced and regular diet, and exercising. If this is done, the defense system will be stronger."

Ünal pointed out that the second important factor in protection is maintaining a one-meter distance from people who are sneezing or coughing, as the virus will be transmitted from a certain distance.

Stating that people who sneeze should sneeze into their elbow rather than their hand, Ünal warned, "Because after sneezing into the hand, if one shakes hands with someone else or touches a door handle, the virus will be transmitted to healthy individuals. Hands should be washed frequently."