Summer is coming to an end, and autumn and cold winter are coming - a period of seasonal flu and colds. It seems pointless to expect a reversal of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. A second wave of the epidemic is already being observed in a number of countries. Is this expected in Azerbaijan as well?
According to Qadin.Net, Media.Az spoke with Mehriban Abdullayeva, a long-time therapist at one of the country's pandemic hospitals.
"The autumn-winter period may lead to a second wave of coronavirus infection in the country. The fact is that during this period, acute respiratory and sometimes viral infections spread. Therefore, citizens should be very careful not to confuse the symptoms of the coronavirus with seasonal flu and colds, "he said.
The doctor noted that many of the symptoms of these diseases are similar:
"Symptoms of acute respiratory infections disappear more quickly. The person has a slight fever, cough, runny nose, but after a few days the situation stabilizes. Seasonal flu is characterized by high fever and lethargy. In coronavirus, the temperature does not rise so quickly, and general malaise and muscle aches can last for more than a week. The main distinguishing feature of the coronavirus is a sharp loss of smell and taste.
M.Abdullayeva called on citizens to comply with the requirements of the quarantine regime in order not to increase the number of infected:
"It is not difficult to wear a mask, to observe social distance, it is important to think about your health and loved ones."
According to the doctor, in order to increase immunity, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables, and go out into the fresh air more often.
"You can also take vitamin D and vitamin C (in the form of pills or dragees) for prophylaxis. In addition, during the epidemic, you can take a course of any zinc-containing drugs, because zinc is a natural immunomodulator that stimulates immunity and strengthens the body's defenses, "Abdullayeva added.
By the way, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), there will be no second wave of coronavirus. Instead, a "big wave" of infections will rise and fall.
"Moreover, this type of virus is not synchronized with the seasonal flu," the WHO said.
However, a second wave of pandemics is expected in Russia in October.
The easing of the quarantine regime in Europe has led to a resumption of infection. In Spain, for example, the number of coronavirus hospitalizations has dropped by an average of five times since early July. The German government is preparing for the second wave against the background of a sharp deterioration in statistics. Belgium and France do not rule out the return of quarantine.
The situation in the United States is also very unstable. The most critical areas are California, Florida, Texas, New York and Georgia. These areas account for 40 percent of infections. At the same time, America is waiting for the second wave of the disease.