Respiratory illness complaints have increased! Emergency rooms are overflowing, patients cannot recover

According to Sputnik's report, Prof. Dr. Meltem Işıkgöz Taşbakan, Vice President of the Turkish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (EKMUD), stated that the reason why the flu and other respiratory infections are lasting longer this year is the prevalence of chronic diseases and risk factors, and listed other causes:

“The prevalence of chronic diseases and risk factors in our country can extend the duration of respiratory infections. Diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can flare up due to air pollution and negatively affect the course of infections. Factors such as chronic diseases and old age can weaken the immune system and reduce resistance to infections, causing the flu and other respiratory infections to last longer. Furthermore, the inadequacy of measures taken to prevent the spread of infections can increase the duration of illnesses. In this context, effective public health strategies and individual protective measures are of critical importance.”

"COVID-19 HAS AN IMPACT"

Prof. Dr. Meltem Işıkgöz Taşbakan stated that respiratory viruses, especially COVID-19 and the flu, can make the course of the disease more complex and complicate treatment approaches:

“Respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and the flu can infect an individual at the same time, and these coinfections can make the course of the disease more complex and complicate treatment approaches. Such coinfections are seen more frequently, especially in the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and people with chronic diseases. Both viruses show similar symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) and have similar transmission routes, which can complicate clinical diagnosis and require additional tests. The drugs used in their treatments are also different, which can make the treatment process more complex and requires healthcare professionals to make careful evaluations.”

"BEWARE OF THE HMPV OUTBREAK"

EKMUD Vice President Prof. Dr. Meltem Işıkgöz Taşbakan underlined that attention should be paid to the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) outbreak that has been spreading rapidly in China recently:

“The Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) outbreak, which has been spreading rapidly in China recently, has alarmed health authorities. It is a virus that usually causes mild upper respiratory tract infections such as cough, fever, nasal congestion, and sore throat. However, it can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, especially in infants, the elderly, and people with weak immunity.”

“The hMPV, which is spreading rapidly, especially among children in China's northern provinces, has caused an increase in density in hospitals and pressure on the health system. On social media and in local news, images of people wearing masks in hospitals and increasing patient numbers are drawing attention. Health authorities are taking urgent measures to monitor and manage its spread. However, the Beijing administration evaluates this increase as a seasonal fluctuation and there is no pandemic risk at this stage.”