Is it right to underestimate Covid-19?
Seasonal diseases increased with autumn. It is difficult to distinguish between these diseases, which show similar symptoms to Covid-19. So, are Covid-19 cases increasing? Is it easy to get over as it seems or can it be dangerous? Here is Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Ali Vefa Öztürk’s answers to these questions.
As the winter months approach, the current situation of Covid-19 cases and whether they will increase or not is a matter of curiosity. The disease is often confused with flu and cold these days. In fact, many people have the prevailing opinion that “Covid is now like the flu or the flu; it is usually mild.” Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Ali Vefa Öztürk shared the following information about the current status of Covid-19 and whether it is as dangerous as before: With the opening of schools and the arrival of autumn, Covid-19 cases increased. As the number of patients getting tested has increased, testing rates have also increased. Patients applying with suspicion of Covid-19 mostly come with complaints of upper respiratory tract infection. Covid-19 disease is one-third as common as flu and cold.
Dr. Ali Vefa Öztürk
If symptoms last more than 1 week, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Covid-19 mostly manifests itself with runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, fever, weakness, fatigue and severe muscle pain. Unlike regular flu, symptoms last longer. While normal flu symptoms last for a week, they last longer in Covid-19. It is necessary to visit a doctor and take precautions to prevent the disease from progressing. But not every symptom requires an urgent visit to the doctor. The first week is important. If you have flu symptoms such as runny nose and nasal congestion that last for more than a week, you should see a doctor. It would be good for people who are infected with the disease, their relatives, their children, and those over the age of 65 to get tested for Covid-19 at the first sign of flu in order to prevent infection.
BEWARE OF LONG LASTING COUGH!
Covid-19 should be suspected if there are symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection lasting more than a week and if there is a cough that begins with difficulty breathing after the upper respiratory tract infection. Loss of taste and smell also occurs in both flu and Covid, although not as much as before.
The most important and first symptom of the Covid-19 virus landing in the lungs is long-lasting cough. The characteristics of these coughs begin with talking, a little effort, and a little tiredness. The second is understood by shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is very important. If there is shortness of breath after the flu, if there is shortness of breath after Covid, there is a high probability that it has landed in the lungs. Thirdly, if it can be cared for at home, it can be measured with simple oxygen measuring devices. If the result is below 95, it can be understood that Covid has reached the lungs. The best way to make sure of this is to take a low-dose tomography.
The spread of the Covid-19 virus to the lungs is a condition called viral pneumonia. This is known as the severe condition in Covid-19 and most patients may experience respiratory failure. Some of these patients may have life-threatening conditions, advanced respiratory failure, and need for intensive care. Covid-19 virus can cause two types of pneumonia. The first may be viral pneumonia, which is a stroke in the lungs. This pneumonia can also lead to respiratory failure. It facilitates the formation of viral infections and viral bacteria. Viral infections include Covid-19. Bacterial infection may occur after Covid-19. Bacterial pneumonia is not as severe as the viral pneumonia of Covid-19, but it still needs to be treated. The patient may need to be hospitalized.
DON’T GIVE UP ON THE MASK
Methods of protection from Covid-19 virus are the same as previous methods. These methods are not as strict as they used to be. Mask It is very important to use . It is important to use it especially in public transportation and in closed and crowded environments. You should stay away from people you know are sick. In addition, for lung health, one should stay away from environments with polluted air. Cigarette smoke, dust, laundry detergent and odors should be avoided. Thus, the risk of contracting Covid-19 will be reduced. Even if you have Covid-19, the probability of having a serious illness will decrease. It is also very important to maintain immunity to avoid catching Covid-19 during the winter months. For this, regular nutrition comes first. It is necessary to eat a variety of foods from each food group. Foods such as vegetables, fruits, meat, chicken and fish should be consumed and meals should not be skipped. Eating a lot does not mean healthy eating. The important thing is to eat sufficient amounts at certain meals. Exercise is also very important to drink plenty of fluids and keep body resistance high. It is necessary to walk for 45 minutes at least 3 times a day. Apart from these, it is also necessary to have regular sleep. You should go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time. One should not be sleep deprived. Because there is a body rhythm and the bedtime hours between 10.00-11.00 should not be spent in this rhythm.
