- Specialists from the Ribera health group recommend greater caution in the environment of people with risk factors, children under two years of age and those over 65, as well as health and social care personnel.
- It is recommended to go to the emergency room if there is difficulty breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, dizziness, constant high fever or dehydration in adults, and rapid breathing, blue lips, acute muscle pain or dehydration in children.
After the family and social gatherings of Christmas, the first peak of winter flu has already occurred, which has so far become the predominant virus of the season, above Covid (SARS-CoV-2) and the syncytial virus. However, new increases in infections are expected in the coming weeks. For this reason, professionals from the health group Ribera They recommend getting the flu vaccine, wearing a mask in closed spaces, especially if we have symptoms or are with a sick person, washing our hands properly and frequently, covering our mouth with the back of our elbow when coughing, and trying, if possible, not to attend social gatherings if we have begun to notice symptoms.
Dr. Jorge Cavero, head of Preventive Medicine at the hospital Ribera Povisa (Vigo) insists on the importance of hygiene measures, such as hand hygiene and not leaving contaminated tissues or objects on surfaces of common use, and restricting contact with symptoms, except with children and dependent people, which is done with a mask, to avoid the increase in infections. “In addition, general measures that improve health help, such as good hydration, moderate physical exercise and a healthy diet,” he explains.
However, sometimes infection cannot be avoided. In most of these cases, Dr. Cavero says that “a symptomatic treatment of fever, muscle pain and headache, preferably using paracetamol, is usually sufficient.” He also explains that “relative rest and good hydration are highly recommended.”
When to go to the emergency room and when to go to the pediatrician or general practitioner
“Although the circulation of respiratory viruses has been lower this year, to date, there is high pressure on hospital emergency units and it is expected to continue increasing,” explains Dr. Cavero, who reflects on the consequences of the pressure on care for patients and also for professionals. “It is important to remember that emergency care should only be provided in cases where this type of care is really required, and if not, go to the pediatrician or general practitioner for a consultation,” explains the specialist.
In the case of adults, the head of Preventive Medicine at Ribera Povisa advises going to the Emergency Room when you have difficulty breathing or a feeling of shortness of breath, constant pain or pressure in the chest, persistent dizziness, confusion or difficulty waking up, seizures, high fever that does not subside or that recurs despite medication, dehydration or worsening of other chronic diseases.
In children, the specialist's guideline for going to the Emergency Room is when rapid breathing or breathing problems are detected, a bluish color is observed in the lips or face, chest pain, intense muscle pain (evident when the child refuses to walk), dehydration (or when he or she does not urinate in 8 hours, dry skin and mouth are noted, or crying without tears), lack of attention or interaction, seizures, high fever that cannot be controlled with conventional medications and/or persistent cough.
If you have any doubts about the treatment or the first symptoms appear, the general recommendation is to make an appointment with your pediatrician or general and community medicine specialist.
