Relaxation of Rules Increases Colds in Summer

Today, the slightest cough and symptoms of weakness immediately come to mind with COVID-19. Anadolu Health Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “The symptoms of Covid-19 delta variant and other variants are similar to both flu and cold. If you do not have a contact with COVID-19 and are vaccinated with 2 doses, then you are more likely to be infected with other viruses. However, the only distinguishing way here is to have a PCR test. Even if the test is negative, care should be taken not to infect others.”

Anadolu Health Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “These symptoms are mostly seen in viruses such as Rhinovirus, which causes colds. When these symptoms are seen, it is important to clarify whether you have caught a cold, flu or COVID-19 by applying to a health institution and getting tested. If the complaints go beyond 3-4 days, a doctor should be consulted again," he said.

Socialization and relaxation of rules increased cold and flu cases

Noting that flu and cold are mostly seen in autumn and winter, Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “The main reason why the common cold is seen more this summer is that the vaccinated people relax the mask rule. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of flu cases in winter has dropped significantly, the most important reason for this was not being in closed environments due to mask, distance and hygiene rules and restrictions. However, with the summer season, the use of air conditioners, socialization and relaxation of the rules caused this type of virus to re-enter our lives.

Those with symptoms of respiratory tract infection should be careful not to transmit the disease to others.

Reminding that both COVID-19 and flu viruses can cause serious health problems as well as mild diseases, Infectious Diseases Specialist Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko said, “If people with respiratory tract infection symptoms have negative COVID-19 tests, they should drink plenty of fluids, use symptom-reducing drugs, rest and eat healthy. It is very important that they be careful not to transmit the disease to others. Those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 should have their vaccinations done or completed without wasting time,” he warned.

Assoc. Dr. Elif Hakko made 19 important reminders to be protected from both cold and flu viruses and COVID-8 and to prevent its spread.

• When you go out of the house, wear your mask to cover your nose and chin.
• Hand wash frequently.
• Maintain social distance in every environment, keep at least 3-4 steps distance from people.
• Do not touch your mouth, face, eyes and nose with your hands.
• Do not stay as much as possible in crowded and closed environments, stay away from sick people, do not contact.
• Regularly disinfect the surfaces you come into contact with.
• Do not sneeze or cough in your hand. Sneeze or cough on the inside of your arm or on a napkin.
• If you are sick, sit at home.