Türkiye has seen an increase in respiratory tract infections. The sharp increase is typical during the transition from winter to spring, not a new pandemic, Ismail Balk, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine at Ankara University, noted on Saturday.
Speaking with an Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent, Balk said that because the weather can suddenly change from hot to cold during the spring, there is always a rise in viral infections that cause upper respiratory tract diseases.
“Respiratory tract infections have significantly increased lately, but this is not an epidemic. We have this during the period of (weather) transition for many years in our country,” Balık underlined.
The physician added that because face masks were worn frequently during the pandemic, these infections were not common. He explained that the sudden rise in viral infections was caused by the end of the pandemic measures last year, as well as the possibility that the immune system had forgotten about the viruses during that time.
“The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, COVID-19, rhinovirus, and influenza (flu) are currently the most common infections we see. There has been an increase of approximately 20% in outpatient clinic applications in our hospital recently,” he explained.
However, Balk advised that the best way for people to safeguard themselves against infection is to keep their distance from anyone who is ill or exhibiting symptoms.
Balak emphasized that these types of infections are overcome much slower by people with underlying diseases, smokers, or those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle while pointing out that prolonged symptoms or illness may cause concern.
Balak added that some respiratory tract infections can also result in symptoms that persist, citing RSV as an example.
Speaking of the coronavirus, he added that fewer people are getting tested for COVID-19 infections as a result of this. ”We do, however, have treatments for this illness. It can be treated to stop the infection from spreading if it happens and the person is tested. In this way, Balk continued, particularly persistent symptoms can be avoided.
Additionally, according to Balak, respiratory tract infections can result in complications like sinusitis and bronchitis, which last for a long time and cause symptoms. In order to adjust the course of treatment, he advised people with these symptoms to make another appointment with their doctor.
But the physician noted that starting in mid-May, a general decline in respiratory tract infections is anticipated.
