Memo: Prevention of influenza and coronavirus infection

Influenza viruses and coronavirus infections cause respiratory diseases of varying severity in humans. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of seasonal flu. The severity of the disease depends on a number of factors, including the general condition of the body and age.

Predisposed to the disease: the elderly, young children, pregnant women and people suffering from chronic diseases (asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases), and with weakened immune systems.

RULE 1. WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP

Clean and disinfect surfaces using household detergents.

Hand hygiene is an important measure to prevent the spread of influenza and coronavirus infection. Washing your hands with soap removes the virus. If it is not possible to wash hands with soap, use alcohol-containing or disinfecting wipes.

Cleaning and regular disinfection of surfaces (tables, door handles, chairs, gadgets, etc.) removes viruses. 

RULE 2.  MAINTAIN DISTANCE AND OBSERVE ETIQUETTE 

Viruses are transmitted airborne (sneezing, coughing), so it is necessary to maintain distance of at least 1 meter between you and a diseased person.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Influenza virus and coronavirus are spread through these pathways.

Wear a medical mask or use other available protective equipment to reduce the risk of illness.

When coughing, sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with disposable wipes, which should be discarded after use.

Avoiding unnecessary trips and crowded places reduces the risk of disease.

RULE 3. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

A healthy lifestyle increases the body's resistance to infection. Follow a healthy daily routine, including good quality sleep, foods rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, regular physical activity.

RULE 4.  PROTECT YOUR RESPIRATORY SYSTEM WITH A MEDICAL FACE MASK

Among other means of prevention, wearing medical masks limits the spread of the virus. Medical masks are to be used:

• when visiting crowded places, traveling on public transport during the outbreak of acute respiratory viral infections;
• when caring for patients with acute respiratory viral infections;
• when communicating with persons showing signs of acute respiratory viral infection;
• when there is risk of contamination with other airborne infections.

HOW TO WEAR A MEDICAL MASK IN A PROPER WAY

Medical masks have different designs. They can be single-use or applied repeatedly. There are masks that serve 2, 4, 6 hours. The cost of these masks is different, due to different impregnation. It is forbidden to wear the same mask all the time, as you can infect yourself twice. Which side to apply a medical mask to your face is not that important. To protect yourself from infection, it is extremely important to wear it properly:

• the mask should be carefully fixed, tightly closing your mouth and nose;
• try not to touch the surface of the mask when removing it, if you have touched it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap or alcohol-based lotion;
• wet or damp mask must be replaced with a new, dry one;
• do not use a disposable mask again;
• the used disposable mask must be thrown away immediately.

When caring for a patient, after the end of contact, the mask must be removed immediately. After removing the mask, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly.

The mask is appropriate if you are in a crowded area, on public transport, or when caring for a patent, but it is not practical in the open air.  When outside, it is useful to breathe fresh air and wear no mask.

However, doctors remind that this single measure does not provide complete protection against the disease. In addition to wearing a mask, you must follow other preventive measures.

RULE 5.  WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE THE FLU, CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?

1. Stay at home and see a doctor immediately.

2. Follow your doctor's instructions, stay in bed, and drink as much liquid as possible.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU/CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?

High body temperature, chills, headache, weakness, nasal congestion, cough, shortness of breath, muscle pain, conjunctivitis. In some cases, there may be symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?  

Viral pneumonia is the leading cause of complications. The viral pneumonia develops rapidly, and many patients experience respiratory failure within 24 hours, requiring immediate respiratory support with mechanical ventilation. Quickly started treatment helps to alleviate the severity of the disease.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SOMEONE IN MY FAMILY HAS THE FLU/ CORONAVIRUS INFECTION?

1. Call a doctor.

2. Place the diseased person in a separate room. If this is not possible, keep a distance of at least 1 meter between you and the diseased person.

3. Limit to a minimum the contacts between the diseased person and other members of your family, especially children, the elderly, and people suffering from chronic diseases.

4. Air the room frequently.

5. Keep cleanness, wash and disinfect surfaces with household detergents as often as possible.

6. Wash your hands frequently with soap.

7. When caring for a diseased person, cover your mouth and nose with a medical mask or other protective substitutes (handkerchief, scarf, etc.).Only one family member should take care of the diseased person.