Control of seasonal respiratory infections and antibacterial treatment strategies
Seasonal respiratory infections are a type of disease that is prone to a high incidence in a given season and include mainly upper respiratory infections (e.g. common flu, influenza) and lower respiratory infections (e.g. bronchitis, pneumonia) caused by pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. These infections are more common at the turn of autumn and winter or winter and spring, and are closely related to changes in temperature, air moisture and crowding.
General preventive measures
Increased immunity – A balanced diet is essential to increase immunity. Ingestion of nutrient-rich foods such as vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc. Vitamin C enhances the activity of white cells and contributes to the resistance to infection; vitamin D plays an important role in regulating the immune system; and zinc promotes the development and functioning of immune cells. – Moderate physical exercise enhances physical resistance. Aerobic activity of at least 150 minutes ‘ moderate strength per week, such as walking, jogging, swimming, etc., or 75 minutes ‘ high-intensity aerobic activity, such as fast running. Sport can promote blood circulation, make immune cells more effective in their internal circulation and respond in a timely manner to the invasion of pathogens. – Adequate and regular sleep is also key to maintaining good immunity. Adults are required to ensure high-quality sleep of 7 – 8 hours per night, during which the body is self-rehabilitated and adapted to the normal functioning of the immune system.
2. Attention to hygiene – hand-washing is an important defence against respiratory infections. Handwashing with soap and mobile water for at least 20 seconds after exposure to public goods, before meals, etc. If there is no running water, alcohol-containing handwashing is also a good option. This will effectively remove the pathogen from the hand and prevent it from entering the body through the hand-mouth, hand-nose. – Be polite when coughing and sneezing. Cover mouths and noses with paper towels or elbows to avoid the foaming of pathogens. Used paper towels should be immediately dumped in covered trash cans and hands washed in time to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.
Maintenance of environmental cleanliness and ventilation – Regular cleaning of homes and workplaces, removal of dust, garbage etc., and reduction of breeding grounds for pathogens. Particular attention should be paid to the regular wiping of surfaces of objects that are frequently exposed, such as doorknobs, desktops, etc. – Maintaining indoor air flow, with at least two ventilations per day, of about 30 minutes each. Ventilation reduces the concentration of indoor pathogens, improves air quality and reduces exposure. For specific seasons, during the autumn and winter holidays with high influenza, as far as possible, travel to densely populated and poorly ventilated sites such as malls, cinemas, etc. If so, it is recommended to wear a mask. More attention should be paid to the protection of the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with low levels of immunity, such as chronic diseases. During the flu season, the use of equipment such as air cleaners to filter viruses and bacteria in air could be considered.
Common pathogens and antibacterial drug choices
1. Virus infection – Most of the initial seasonal respiratory infections are caused by viruses such as influenza virus, nose virus, coronary virus, etc. For viral infections, antibiotics are ineffective. For influenza viruses, anti-influenza virus drugs, such as Ostave, can be used for best use within 24 – 48 hours of the onset of the disease.
Bacteria infections – If respiratory infections are followed by bacterial infections such as pneumonia streptococcus, golden grapes, bronchitis, etc., the use of antibacterial drugs is required. For mild bacterial infections, oral antibacterial drugs, such as Amosicillin, head bacterium, etc., can be selected. In the case of severe bacterial infections, intravenous use of antibacterial drugs, such as head spines, may be required. In the choice of antibacterial drugs, doctors take into account the part of the infection, its severity, the age of the patient, the underlying disease, etc.
Correct use of antibacterial drugs
1. Following medical instructions – Antibacterial drugs must be used under the direction of a doctor and cannot be purchased and used at will. Doctors determine appropriate antibacterial drugs, dosages, treatments, etc. based on the type of pathogens, the severity of the infection, etc.
2. Use on a course of treatment – The whole course of treatment must be completed in strict accordance with medical instructions, even if the symptoms are mitigated. If the treatment is inadequate, it may result in bacteria not being completely eliminated, which can lead to re-emergence of infection, and may also lead to bacteria producing resistance.
3. Avoiding abuse – Anti-bacterial drugs cannot be used to prevent all respiratory infections and can only be used when there is a clear indication of bacterial infection. The abuse of antibacterial drugs not only increases the risk of adverse reactions but also leads to the creation of drug-resistant bacteria, making it more difficult to treat bacterial infections later.
In short, the prevention and control of seasonal respiratory infections requires a multi-faceted, integrated approach. At the same time, we need to be cautious about the use of anti-bacterial drugs and the correct use of anti-bacterial drugs to better respond to seasonal respiratory infections and to safeguard our health.
