Rise in Infections: What’s Going On?

With the arrival of autumn and the approach of winter, respiratory infections surge, especially among children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases. Flu, colds, bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are just a few of the agents that circulate more intensely during this season.

According to the National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), respiratory outbreaks are cyclical and expected, but they can put pressure on health services and increase hospital admissions, especially if prevention is neglected.

🫁 How do respiratory infections spread?

Transmission mainly occurs through the air:

• Droplets expelled when coughing, sneezing, or speaking

• Direct contact with contaminated surfaces

• Closed and poorly ventilated environments

Therefore, reinforcing preventive measures is essential — not only to protect yourself but also those around you.

✅ 7 Effective Strategies to Protect Yourself (and Others)

1. 😷 Respiratory hygiene first

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (preferably with your arm or a tissue)

• Avoid coughing into your hands

• Dispose of used tissues immediately

🔍 Studies show that adopting good respiratory practices significantly reduces the transmission of respiratory viruses.

2. 🧼 Wash your hands (properly)

• Use water and soap for at least 20 seconds

• If unavailable, use an alcohol-based solution (>60%)

• Wash before meals and after coughing, sneezing, or using public transport

👉 According to the WHO, handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent infections.

3. 🌬️ Ventilate indoor spaces

• Open windows for a few minutes several times a day

• Avoid closed and crowded environments

💡 Fresh air dilutes the concentration of viruses in the environment, reducing the risk of contagion.

4. 💉 Update your seasonal vaccines

• Flu vaccine

• COVID-19 booster

• Pneumococcal vaccine (for at-risk groups)

📌 Vaccination reduces the risk of severe infections and community transmission.

5. 🤧 Recognize and respect symptoms

• Stay home if you’re sick

• Avoid contact with vulnerable people

• Wear a mask if you need to go out

⚠️ The first signs — such as sore throat, fever, cough, or nasal congestion — are when transmission is highest.

6. 🍲 Boost your immunity naturally

• Sleep 7–9 hours per night

• Eat foods rich in vitamin C, D, zinc, and antioxidants

• Stay hydrated

• Exercise regularly

🥦 A strong immune system is your “internal shield” against infections.

7. 🧠 Take care of your mental health and stress

Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to illness. Make time for relaxing activities and maintain a supportive emotional network.

Groups Requiring Extra Attention

• Young children: developing immune system

• Elderly: lower immune response

• Chronic patients: especially those with respiratory or cardiac diseases

• Pregnant women: hormonal and immune changes

💡 In these cases, prevention should be even more rigorous and guided by healthcare professionals.

🩺 If You Get Sick: When to Seek Medical Help

Book an appointment if you experience:

• Persistent fever (>3 days)

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Coughing up blood

• Prolonged symptoms (>7 days)

👉 The Misericórdias Saúde Card offers free and unlimited video consultations because taking care of yourself should be easy, fast, and accessible.

✅ Conclusion: Protecting Yourself Is an Act of Responsibility

Respiratory infections are part of the natural cycle of the cold seasons. But with information, prevention, and proactive behavior, it’s possible to reduce contagion, avoid complications, and live more safely.

Taking care of yourself is also taking care of others. Here’s to an autumn and winter with fewer coughs, more health, and — who knows — more (safe) hugs.