When the air is dry and the temperature is low, various infectious diseases become prevalent.
This year in particular, it is predicted that the new coronavirus and influenza will be prevalent at the same time, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to visit a doctor with a fever. Additionally, hospitals may not be open during the year-end and New Year holidays.
Be sure to be prepared just in case.
*table of contents*
What infectious diseases are prevalent in winter?
Common infection prevention measures are "hand washing," "mask," and "disinfection."
Was it infected? If you think so - things you should prepare for -
Winter is said to be a time when viral infections are more likely to spread. Furthermore, we must be careful about the new coronavirus infection this year.
<Infectious diseases prevalent in winter>
♦Respiratory infections such as influenza and RSV
♦Infectious gastroenteritis such as norovirus and rotavirus
Although each virus causes a different virus, the symptoms are similar, so we have summarized the characteristics and differences.
The best prevention for any infectious disease is to prevent the virus from entering the body . Especially now that there are no restrictions on movement, we cannot avoid contact with people. Learn how to wash your hands properly and which mask is right for you.
Furthermore, it is also effective to thoroughly disinfect the area on a daily basis. Commonly used disinfectant ethanol and sodium hypochlorite.
*How to choose a disinfectant*
Among disinfectant ethanol products, many products labeled as "for hand disinfection" have a concentration in the 60% range. You can use a household chlorine bleach detergent such as Hyter to remove sodium hypochlorite.
*The usage method described here is a general usage method. Viruses that can be treated and usage methods may differ depending on the product. Please read the product description carefully before use.
★If you develop cold-like symptoms
If you have a high fever of 38 degrees or higher, along with a sore throat or fatigue , seek medical attention as soon as possible. It may be influenza. In the case of influenza, the test result may not be positive if the fever lasted less than 12 hours, so we recommend that you wait at least 12 hours after the onset of the fever before taking the test. Furthermore , if you have influenza, you can expect a faster recovery if you administer anti-influenza drugs within 48 hours .
If you have a mild fever or symptoms, it may be a good idea to use over-the-counter medicine and monitor the situation.
<Things you should have>
・Antipyretic analgesic
Choose one that contains acetaminophen . Ibuprofen and loxoprofen increase the risk of developing influenza encephalopathy, so avoid using them in case you have influenza.
・Sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions
Sweating caused by fever can lead to dehydration. We recommend sports drinks that contain just the right amount of sugar and salt and can quickly replenish your body with water. If you have a fever and vomiting or diarrhea, use an oral rehydration solution as appropriate.
・Jelly drinks and energy drinks
If you have a sore throat or feel tired, you may not want to eat. In order to quickly cure infectious diseases such as colds, it is important to eat and provide nutrition , but if this is difficult, try using jelly drinks and energy drinks that can easily provide nutrition.
・Antigen qualitative test kit
If you are at low risk of becoming seriously ill due to the new coronavirus and develop symptoms such as a sore throat or fever, you should first test yourself using a test kit.
<If you use a test kit>
〇 Items marked as medical or general use
× Items marked as for research use
If you are tested positive, please visit a medical institution, or if in doubt, contact a consultation center.
#7119 : Emergency request consultation
#8000 : Children's medical consultation
*If gastrointestinal symptoms occur along with fever
Since there is a possibility of infectious gastroenteritis, the basic rule is to see a doctor . Using anti-diarrheal medicines may allow the virus to remain in your body, prolonging your symptoms. Avoid using cheap antidiarrheal drugs . If you experience nausea, vomiting, or fever in addition to diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately.
<Things you should have>
・Sports drink ・Oral rehydration solution
Continued diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. To prevent dehydration, be sure to have a sports drink on hand to efficiently replenish your fluids. If you become dehydrated, drink an oral rehydration solution .
*How to recognize symptoms of dehydration*
If you pinch (push) your thumb nail with your other hand and it takes more than 3 seconds for the white nail color to return to pink after you release it, you may be dehydrated .
・Disposable gloves ・Paper towels
Use it when disposing of vomit or diapers. Remove the vomit with gloves and paper towels before it dries. Then, wipe the area where the vomit was on with a sodium hypochlorite disinfectant solution. Seal the gloves used for disposal in a sealed bag and dispose of them.
It is important that you do not contract any infections. Be sure to take basic infection control measures, take proper nutrition and rest, and gather information in advance about what you should do if you become infected.
