Learn to identify the symptoms that distinguish these respiratory infections.

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Before and during Christmas in Spain, we were victims of respiratory infections that continued, giving us no respite and overwhelming primary care clinics and hospitals. Flu is the “queen”, the most contagious, but we are talking about colds, colds, and even covid. Triple democracy, they call it.. Viral symptoms characteristic of winter, when it gets colder, and which have not left us since the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. They, with their most common symptoms usually lasting about 72 hours, improve.

Learn to identify them:

• FLU A. This is the most common option this season. Its symptoms are intense, as they cause a high temperature, that is, more than 38 degrees; Muscle pain; headache; fatigue; nasal congestion; mucus and difficulty breathing, which is the most worrying and what needs to be monitored. Thus, the body is exhausted. In more severe cases, it can cause complications such as pneumonia.
• COLD OR COLD. A mild fever (up to 37.9 degrees) or nasal congestion may be normal, but headaches or muscle pain are uncommon; If they exist, then they are of a specific nature. And appreciate that it doesn’t turn you off, but allows you to lead a normal life.
• COVID-19. Its symptoms are very similar to those of the flu: fever, cough, general malaise… Most of us have been through it, to a greater or lesser extent. And, as with the flu, there are diagnostic tests and vaccines. In addition, the vaccination campaign has been resumed in many autonomous communities, which needs to be strengthened and is recommended for vulnerable populations, with the elderly and children suffering the most.
• RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV). It causes bronchiolitis and has symptoms similar to the previous ones.

Methods to combat tripedemia

Because these are viral diseases, treatment options are limited. For muscle pain and fever, antipyretics and analgesics are used. Antibiotics are not appropriate unless serious complications occur.With. In recent weeks, there has been a shortage of cold and cough medicines, etc. in pharmacies. drugs. Most of them are sold without a prescription. The ideal is to consult with a doctor or pharmacist so that they can recommend what is best for us depending on our situation.. Because there are cases of people being infected with different types. In any case, it is recommended to rest, drink more fluids and include fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet, which provide us with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that strengthen our immune system in the fight against the virus. And if you work, it is better to do it at home, avoiding infections.

Masks and other preventive measures

We are returning masks. From January 10, its use became mandatory in hospitals and outpatient clinics in Spain.

In addition, its use is recommended in pharmacies and crowded places; Let’s cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze; let’s avoid contact with infected people; let’s not share food, glasses or cutlery; let’s ventilate closed spaces, keeping the home clean; Wash your hands often and most importantly, get vaccinated.