With the arrival of winter, professionals in the health sector are calling for increased vigilance to protect the health of citizens, particularly against respiratory diseases.
Moreover, a series of preventive measures are recommended to reduce the risk of infection during this period.
The Ministry of Health called for the need to respect the rules of personal hygiene and preserve the cleanliness of the environment to prevent infection with seasonal flu which affects between 5 and 15% of the world's population each year.
The said department recommended protecting yourself against respiratory viruses, in particular by avoiding contact with patients suffering from seasonal flu or other viruses.
It is also recommended to respect physical distancing (of at least one meter) and to wash your hands regularly or use a hydroalcoholic gel, particularly before touching the face.
Circulation active du Rhinovirus
The coordinator of the national program to combat influenza and seasonal diseases, Hakim El Ghard, confirmed this Tuesday the active circulation of several autumn viruses in Tunisia, including the Rhinovirus, currently the most widespread.
El Ghard detailed the symptoms of Rhinovirus, which mainly manifest as a runny nose, mild fever, moderate cough and throat pain. He also reported the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), responsible for bronchiolitis, which particularly affects children and the elderly.
And also revealed that two types of influenza viruses have already been recorded in Tunisia. “Although the peak phase has not yet been reached, this is expected at the end of January or the beginning of February, with a possible continuation of infections until March,” he said. -he clarified.
Among the characteristic symptoms of the flu, Dr El Ghard mentioned a high fever, which can reach up to 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. He stressed the importance of vigilance and the adoption of preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus and prevent contamination.
The coordinator thus recalled the main health recommendations: respect physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, avoid kissing, wear a mask, avoid crowded places, regularly ventilate closed spaces, get vaccinated, and stay safe. exclusion of vulnerable people such as the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill.
“These measures are part of public health efforts to protect the Tunisian population from the resurgence of seasonal respiratory infections,” he stressed.
Two types of viruses detected in Tunisia!
For his part, Mahjoub Aouni, specialist in virology, declared on private radio that the current period marks the appearance of many viruses linked to the respiratory system, which are seasonal viruses such as colds and flu. .
And to affirm that there is currently no reason to worry.
Aouni added that the flu virus is predominant at the moment, and its symptoms resemble those of other viruses.
He talked about several scientific methods to determine the type of virus. He also mentioned the presence of coronaviruses with mild symptoms which do not cause concern and which do not have an epidemic character, as well as the “RSV rhinovirus”.
In fact, prevention remains the best way to fight winter infections, in this context, it is important to have a collective conscience to preserve everyone's health.
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