Cold waves during the winter season favor the emergence of respiratory diseases caused by the spread of viruses, such as seasonal flu, Rhino and other viruses associated with climate change, said virology professor Mahjoub Aouni, emphasizing the need to take the necessary measures to prevent the risks of respiratory diseases.
He told TAP that this period is also marked by the spread of new variants of the coronavirus globally, including the new “XEC” variant which, according to his remarks, is characterized by rapid spread, but with low risk and which does not have the incidence of an epidemic disease.
Indeed, the emergence of this variant began in June 2024 in Germany and then spread to other European countries, then to the United States of America, he clarified, adding that no cases No attack by the “XEC” variant has been recorded, until now, in Tunisia.
He noted that this variant of the coronavirus has proven its ability to spread, however, he said, it does not appear particularly dangerous compared to previous variants of COVID-19.
On the other hand, the specialist stressed that the XEC variant of the coronavirus could affect vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases and immunodeficiency.
This population in particular is therefore called upon to take all necessary preventive precautions to avoid infection, noted Mahjoub Aouni.
Note that, last Sunday, the Ministry of Health called on citizens to take a certain number of precautions to prevent respiratory diseases with the arrival of the cold wave, in particular washing their hands regularly with water. and soap, maintain good ventilation in closed places, avoid closed and crowded places and cover your nose and mouth when moving from a closed to an open place.
In case of symptoms, such as sudden onset of fever, cough, headache, joint and muscle pain, sore throat and runny nose, the Ministry of Health has advised to stay at home, drink a lot, wash your nose constantly, consult a doctor, use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throw it into a closed trash can, provided that the cough or sneeze, in absence of tissue, is done in the elbow and not in the hands.
The Ministry of Health also called for the need to get flu vaccinations at the nearest basic health centers.
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