As temperatures drop and the weather continues to fluctuate, the first colds and respiratory viruses are making their appearance, with the coronavirus once again on the rise.
Speaking on the Alpha Kalimera show, general practitioner Dr. Anastasios Bagourdis noted that there has recently been an increase in cases of respiratory infections, as fluctuations in temperature favor the onset of symptoms such as a sore throat and cough.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As he explained, there is a renewed surge in coronavirus cases, which, he noted, has now become part of our daily lives and is not a virus that will disappear. In fact, COVID-19 cases were recorded even during the summer, though not all patients sought medical help.
The positive aspect, according to him, is that most patients experience relatively mild symptoms. However, special attention must be paid to vulnerable population groups, as the possibility of more severe illness cannot be ruled out.
What to Watch For and When to Contact a Doctor
Dr. Bagourdis advised people to remain calm, noting that in the early stages of an infection, it is not always easy to clearly determine whether it is a seasonal virus or the coronavirus.
As he noted, even diagnostic tests may not detect the virus in the first few days, which makes timely differential diagnosis difficult.
In most cases, treatment involves mild antipyretics and analgesics, as well as staying well-hydrated. However, if symptoms appear very suddenly or are accompanied by a particularly high fever, you should contact a doctor immediately.
At the same time, he reminded us of some basic protective measures that we must not neglect:
- Frequent handwashing.
- Good ventilation of indoor spaces and air circulation.
- Avoid close contact with people who have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
What about vaccination?
Referring to vaccination, the doctor clarified that the vaccine does not rule out the possibility of someone becoming ill. However, a significant benefit of vaccination is that, even in the event of infection, it can help ensure a milder course of the disease.
The expert’s message is that we are now in the season for seasonal viruses, during which we need to be careful, adhering to basic protective measures, and contacting a doctor promptly when symptoms are cause for concern—without panicking.
