With the onset of winter, health professionals are calling for increased vigilance to protect people’s health, particularly against respiratory illnesses.
A number of preventive measures are recommended to reduce the risk of infection during this period.
The Department of Health has urged people to follow the rules of personal hygiene and keep the environment clean to prevent infection by seasonal flu, which affects between 5 and 15% of the world’s population each year.
The department recommended that people protect themselves against respiratory viruses, particularly by avoiding contact with patients suffering from seasonal flu or other viruses.
It is also recommended to keep a physical distance (at least one meter) and to wash your hands regularly or use a hydro-alcoholic gel, especially before touching your face.
Active circulation of rhinovirus
Hakim El Ghard, coordinator of the national program to combat influenza and seasonal diseases, said on Tuesday that several autumn viruses are actively circulating in Tunisia, including rhinovirus, which is currently the most widespread.
El Ghard explained the symptoms of the rhinovirus, which include a runny nose, low-grade fever, moderate cough and sore throat. He also highlighted the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is responsible for bronchiolitis, a condition that affects children and the elderly.
He also revealed that two types of influenza virus have already been recorded in Tunisia. “Although the peak has not yet been reached, it is expected to occur at the end of January or the beginning of February, with infections possibly continuing into March,” he added.
Among the characteristic symptoms of influenza, Dr El Ghard mentioned high fever, which can reach 39 to 40 degrees Celsius. He stressed the importance of being vigilant and taking preventive measures to limit the spread of the virus and avoid contamination.
The coordinator reiterated the main health recommendations: keep your distance, wash your hands frequently, avoid kissing, wear a mask, avoid crowded places, air out closed spaces regularly, get vaccinated and stay away from vulnerable people such as the elderly, pregnant women and the chronically ill.
“These measures are part of the public health effort to protect the Tunisian population from the resurgence of seasonal respiratory infections,” he stressed.
Two types of virus found in Tunisia!
Mahjoub Aouni, a virology specialist, told a private radio station that a number of viruses linked to the respiratory system are currently appearing, including seasonal viruses such as the common cold and influenza.
He added that there was no cause for concern at the moment. Aouni said that the influenza virus is currently predominant and its symptoms are similar to those of other viruses.
He spoke of several scientific methods to determine the type of virus. He also mentioned the presence of coronaviruses with mild symptoms that do not cause concern and are not epidemic in nature, as well as the “VRS rhinovirus”.
In fact, prevention is still the best way to fight winter infections, so it’s important to have a collective conscience to protect everyone’s health.
