A specialist at the UMC College of Medicine warns of respiratory diseases in winter

Winter has arrived and respiratory diseases are becoming more and more common at this cold time. During this period of the year, there is a decrease in precipitation in some areas such as Alto Tietê, which leaves the relative humidity of the air much lower and leads to an increase in the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere. Heat capacity, resulting from cold nights and hot days, also affects health.

According to the professor at UMC (University of Mogi das Cruzes), pediatric specialist in pediatric respiratory diseases, Mariangela Faria Cardoso Teixeira, in addition to all these factors, environments become more closed due to lower temperatures, and thus the transmission of the virus. From person to person it happens more easily. “Closing environments exacerbates problems in chronic patients, with asthma and rhinitis, but also causes influenza, colds, sinusitis, and pneumonia in patients with or without predisposing factors,” he says.

The doctor also explains that there is still a question about the seasonality of some viruses, that is, some of them spread more during this period, such as influenza viruses, H1N1, H3N2, and those of the influenza B subtype, which cause influenza. There is also a virus that causes acute viral bronchiolitis, which is very common in children. In 2020, as people often stayed home due to the pandemic, the circulation of these seasonal viruses was very low. But the reality is different this year. He explains that there are many cases of influenza and bronchiolitis with children being hospitalized in the ward and intensive care units (ICU).”

In this context, the teacher leaves some important tips to avoid infection of such diseases. “Proper ventilation of the environments, hand hygiene, avoidance of clumps, increased hydration, moistening of the gills, and an adequate diet to maintain immunity all reduce the likelihood of transmission of viruses such as influenza. Physical activity is also important for all patients, especially those with chronic diseases. Another key factor is keeping vaccination up to date. Simple actions, but they make the difference,” he concludes.

June 23, 2021 4:02 pm