These are some of the winter viruses that are spreading across Europe and could be the cause of your fever or runny nose.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, winter viruses have been circulating in European countries and healthcare systems are facing problems. A possible “triple threat” of diseasesAccording to health organizations.
“The health, social and economic impact of winter viruses is huge“Antoine Flahault, Director of the Global Health Institute at the University of Geneva, told Euronews Health:
“Given the magnitude of seasonal epidemics, severe forms of these infections, although rare, hospital saturation According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary (ERVISS), the number of people consulting a doctor for respiratory diseases in the European Union and the European Economic Report “remains at levels expected for this time of year” in an area where viral activity is increasing in some countries.More than one epidemic may occur at the same time this year?
Rick Malley, chief physician of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Boston Children’s Hospital (USA), says: “It’s a little too early to know exactly what this year will be like.”However, he noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the usual patterns of respiratory diseases such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). “Despite I don’t think there will be a triple epidemic.It’s very likely there VRS you gripeand in the middle of both there is an epidemic COVID“.
Which winter viruses are circulating in EU countries?
Flu It is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that causes symptoms such as fever or cough and, in some severe cases, can lead to death. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while influenza causes seasonal epidemics in temperate climates, especially during winter months, it can cause more irregular epidemics in tropical regions.
Flu was circulating at low levels in late NovemberAccording to ERVISS data, the virus is also increasing in EU and EEA countries, but the virus is also increasing in some countries.
Another winter disease spreading in Europe is respiratory syncytial viruseither VRSA common virus that causes cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous in infants or older adults. According to health officials, An RSV outbreak appears to have started in the EU this year and the EEA has seen an increase in positive tests.
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warned in its latest report on the disease threat that “all countries should be prepared for a continued increase in RSV activity in the coming weeks.” According to ECDC, Young children are most affected by RSVAlthough older people are also at risk.
On the other hand, cases COVID-19 After peaking in July in EU countries, there was a decline this autumn. According to the ECDC, COVID-19 levels were lower or similar to this time of year in 2023.
“COVID is less affected by seasons than other respiratory viruses “Because it circulates in successive waves throughout the year,” Flahault said. “Therefore, there is a high probability that one of these will coincide with an outbreak of seasonal influenza or bronchiolitis (RSV).”
Malley added that other respiratory viruses are also circulating: parainfluenzaHE metapneumovirus oh go adenovirusbut COVID-19, influenza and RSV attract attention because “they can often be more serious than other viruses, and secondly, we have a combination of vaccines, treatments and antibodies against them.” hand norovirusThe virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea is another virus that is very common in winter and spring.
Why are respiratory diseases more common in winter?
Flahault states that the way these viruses are transmitted in closed, crowded and poorly ventilated environments can be explained. Why do they move around more in winter?. “We’re spending more time inside the house, opening windows less often,” he explains, The smallest amount of ultraviolet light that can affect use abroad radiatorwell increasing air pollution.
Better microbiological quality of indoor air and the use of FFP2 masks in situations where air quality is poor can help prevent Flahault added that “circulation of all respiratory microbial agents” is involved, including COVID-19, influenza, RSV, chickenpox, measles, whooping cough and tuberculosis.
How do you protect yourself from winter diseases?
“Vaccination “It is one of the most effective ways to protect the most vulnerable people in our society from serious illness, hospitalization and death,” ECDC chief scientist Piotr Kramarz said in an emailed statement to Euronews Health.
“Given that many countries are still far from providing adequate protection for target groups, seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination rates When the winter season has already begun,” Kramarz added. The ECDC also recommends that people with symptoms of respiratory illness stay at home. wash your hands frequently you ventilating indoor spaces.
ADVERT“The sad truth is that Covid-19 has reminded us of the importance of simple precautions. may reduce the risk of transmission to people who are susceptible or vulnerable,” said Malley of Boston Children’s Hospital.
“We don’t need to say that good hand hygiene is very important“, as well as prioritizing outdoor activities when sick and avoiding seeing vulnerable people.
WHO Europe also recommends wearing a mask In certain situations if you are at risk of severe COVID-19, to protect others in poorly ventilated areas, or if you suspect you have COVID-19.
