Avoid getting ill this Christmas with the doctor's top tips.
The autumn has been dominated by an unusually high occurrence of mycoplasma and we are now getting close to the time of the year when infections spread at a higher rate.
– So far we only have a few confirmed cases of influenza but it is at this time of year that the flu season normally starts. The respiratory syncytial virus has not been very prolific so far and the occurrence of whooping cough has decreased as well. However, we see some increase of Covid-19 but it remains to be seen whether it is a trend that will continue, says Maria Marklund, infectious disease doctor in Region Västerbotten, in a press release.
Some groups risk becoming seriously ill if they fall ill with these diseases which is why it is particularly important to think twice before seeing people during Christmas.
– Different groups of people are most vulnerable to these diseases. Covid-19 and the flu is most hazardous for the elderly, pregnant people and those with underlying illnesses while respiratory syncytial virus and whooping cough is dangerous for small children, says Maria Marklund.
Here are the doctor's three best tips for avoiding illness:
- Maintain good hand hygiene and wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Remember to cough and sneeze into your elbow and avoid touching your face.
- And most importantly - avoid seeing people who you know are ill.
She also recommends getting vaccinated in accordance with the current recommendations in order to decrease the risk of falling seriously ill.