Tulyaks told how to protect themselves from influenza and SARS in autumn

With the onset of autumn, the risk of spreading influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections increases. To reduce the likelihood of infection and reduce the risk of severe disease, it is important to follow simple preventive measures.

1. Get a flu shot

Vaccination helps reduce the risk of influenza and the development of severe complications. In autumn, it is worth checking whether the vaccination is made in the current season, and if necessary, contact a medical organization. It is especially important to discuss vaccination with a doctor for people at high risk.

2. Practice hand hygiene

Wash your hands regularly with soap for 20-30 seconds, paying attention to the palms, the back of your hands, the spaces between your fingers and the area under your nails. If washing your hands is not possible, use an antiseptic. This is especially true after traveling on public transport, visiting public places and before meals.

3. Ventilate the premises regularly

Ventilation helps to renew the air and reduce the concentration of viral particles contained in it. As a guide, you can use the ventilation mode for 10-15 minutes several times a day, if conditions allow. If there is a sick person in the room, it is important to pay special attention to ventilation.

4. Watch the temperature and humidity of the air

Comfortable microclimate helps maintain the normal state of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. As reference points, a temperature of 18–22 °C and a relative humidity of 40–60% are often used. To maintain humidity, you can use an air humidifier, observing the recommendations for its cleaning and maintenance.

5. Follow the rules of respiratory hygiene

When coughing and sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable wipe. If it is not at hand, use the elbow fold, not the palm. Throw away the used napkin immediately, then wash or treat your hands. Such actions help reduce the spread of respiratory discharge.

6. Limit close contact with patients

If possible, avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough, runny nose, or sneezing. If someone from the family is sick, it is useful to ventilate the rooms more often, if possible, allocate separate dishes to him and observe the distance. The mask may further reduce the risk of transmission of infection through close contact.

7. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

A balanced diet, adequate sleep and regular moderate physical activity help maintain the overall health of the body. It is also important to pay attention to rest and reduce stress. None of these factors alone guarantee protection against infection.

Adherence to preventive recommendations helps reduce the risk of spreading respiratory infections. With the appearance of severe symptoms of the disease, you should seek medical help, and if you feel worse, do not self-medicate.

For one of the autumn weeks in the Tula region registered 3783 cases of SARS. At the same time, the excess of epidemic thresholds was not recorded.

Laboratory studies have shown the circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses in the region.