As cool weather approaches, various diseases become active, including the coronavirus. The United States has already decided to restore the security measures introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the incidence of the coronavirus increases, measures to limit the virus will also be decided in other countries, including Latvia.
In Latvia, posters are already appearing at the front doors of several stores with warnings and recommendations to observe all precautionary measures and not to visit stores if there is suspicion of illness or if there has been contact with a Covid-19 patient. Experts of the World Health Organization express gloomy forecasts, because at least a third of the world’s population is at risk of being infected with the new type of omicron “Pirola”. In humans, coronavirus infections are recorded throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter. They can cause both inflammation of the respiratory tract and severe diseases with serious complications, such as pneumonia and kidney failure, and even death. The new type of omicron can cause some people to experience symptoms of the disease, such as skin rashes, weakness, apathy and rapid loss of strength, increased body temperature, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose.
The “Pirola” strain was first detected in Denmark on July 24 and in the United Kingdom at the end of August. This strain of the virus has already been detected in more than 15 countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Portugal, the United States, Spain and Canada.
The US National Institutes of Health believes that genetic changes may make this variant more contagious than its predecessor, even to those who have already been vaccinated against or contracted Covid-19.
According to scientists, “Pirola” is especially dangerous for people who have already been infected with the virus or have been vaccinated. It is more resistant to drugs because of the large number of mutations. As with other strains of the coronavirus that are currently the most common, the symptoms of “Pirola” are similar to those of the common cold.
Several interviewed residents admitted that they are concerned about the return of the coronavirus, as they worry not only about their health, but also their work and income. Some are afraid of restrictions because they cannot work remotely while staying at home, while others do not want restrictions in public places to be repeated. People are still divided into two camps – the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. The mood of the addressed residents is pessimistic, tension and uncertainty about the future can be felt among them. Some people are worried about the introduction of a curfew, when there could again be a ban on being out of their homes in the evening and at night.
Covid-19 vaccines are still available in Latvia, while flu vaccines will be available in October. Vaccination of the entire society is not recommended at the moment, but the greatest emphasis is placed directly on risk groups – seniors aged 65 and over, people with chronic diseases, residents and staff of social care centers, health care specialists, people with weakened immunity and their contacts, pregnant women.
SPKC specialists remind that viruses of upper respiratory tract infections are mainly spread by small droplets that occur when an infected person talks, sneezes or coughs, as well as by hands and objects contaminated with respiratory secretions. The greatest risk of infection exists when being in the same room with a sick person who sneezes or coughs, as well as touching various objects that the sick person has touched before. This is especially common in public places or on public transport, such as grabbing grab bars or seat handles in public transport, door handles, stair railings, basket and trolley handles in shops, water taps, toys in kindergartens and the like.
In order to reduce the risks of getting yourself and others infected with upper respiratory tract infections, SPKC specialists recommend ventilating the premises and humidifying the indoor air, frequently cleaning the premises using household detergents. It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap several times a day, especially when you are sick, because viruses and bacteria spread intensively with your hands as well. In cases where signs of illness appear, it is necessary to avoid going out in public – stay at home and consult a doctor.
2023-11-02 14:33:44
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