Tips to stay safe amid surge of respiratory diseases

Recently, Dr. Patrick Amoth, Director General for Health, reassured the public of the Ministry's vigilant surveillance systems after confirmed cases of respiratory diseases.

According to Amoth, the Ministry of Health has noted a rise in influenza cases as it continued to monitor COVID-19 variants.

Some measures to prevent spread of respiratory disease include;

Stay at home if you are sick

Limiting contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them. Respiratory illness has three common symptoms including fever, sore throat , cough and running nose that won’t subdue. Staying at home when you experience this will prevent spreading the infection. It is important to note that one should seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms worsen to the point where you can’t breath.

Cover coughs and sneezes with Tissue or handkerchief

The World Health Organization recommends covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue paper or handkerchief as opposed to one’s hands. Hands can act as a reservoir for virus particles to infect others when coming in contact with friends and loved ones. 

Maintain cleanliness

Clean and disinfect surfaces and objected that maybe contaminated with viruses that causes flu. Wash your hands as often with soap and water , use alcohol based hand rub when soap and water is not available. Hand washing with soap can help prevent germs from spreading to others, since unwashed hands can potentially transmit germs. Germs from unwashed hands can also be transferred to objects such as door knobs hence infect other individuals. It is important to avoid touching the eyes nose and mouth to avoid spread of terms and limit infection.

Wearing a mask

WHO recommends wearing a mask noting it adds additional layer of protection. And help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Especially in highly populated acres, masks can reduce contact with particles that are inhaled or exhaled while it will also help prevent the transmission of diseases to those who have compromised immunity system.

According to the Ministry of Health, special attention should be applied to cases showing signs of breathing difficulty and suspected infections among children and old people, people with coexisting conditions such as a cancer, his , Diabetes and heart diseases.