Dr. Saber Al-Sarafandi, a consultant of chest diseases at the Nasser Medical Complex in the Gaza Strip, said today, Saturday, that Corona virus infections in the Gaza Strip are increasing, and recently a number of young people who do not previously suffer from any diseases have been infected, and some These cases are in a critical health condition.
In a radio interview, Sarafandi indicated that all expectations confirm that winter will witness a second wave of Corona virus that will be more severe than the first, due to the coincidence of the disease with influenza and the presence of dry and cold air harmful to the respiratory system.
And that the coincidence of influenza with the winter season and the Corona virus will lead to a health setback and will be more fierce, and there is confusion between regular influenza and Corona virus in terms of symptoms.
He explained that the cold symptoms are mild and concentrated in the upper respiratory system, and lead to congestion, cough, runny nose and runny nose, while in Corona severe cough, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue and severe joint pain.
The chest diseases consultant said, "Influenza and Corona share some symptoms such as high temperatures, runny nose, shortness of breath and severe body pain, and they are differentiated by laboratory swabs and tests."
Al-Sarafandi pointed out that if the patient is infected with Corona virus and influenza at the same time, it will constitute a great danger to his condition, and it is known that two viruses do not meet with the human body at the same time is wrong.
He pointed out that 88% of HIV infections in Gaza do not show symptoms of the disease, 15% develop mild symptoms, and 5% need intensive care, and doctors fear the virus will spread into the air sacs that allow oxygen to enter and get rid of carbon dioxide, and any problem will lead to danger to the patient.
Al-Sarafandi stressed that community awareness is very important to confront the epidemic, calling for social distancing, washing hands, wearing a mask, eating winter vegetables and fruits and drinking warm liquids, stressing the need not to be complacent and disdain about these measures, especially in winter due to the lack of treatment for the Corona virus.
He pointed out that the loss of the sense of smell and taste is not a sign of the Corona virus, and there are some other diseases that lose some of the senses of the patient.
He advised taking the annual vaccination against seasonal influenza, which is provided in government clinics for the elderly, chronically ill and pregnant women, and it is more important than ever, because limiting influenza will help medical staff to cope with Corona.
