Warning: 4 diseases, 2 common health hazards, “winter season” high risk of sickness and death

The Department of Disease Control warns of 4 diseases and 2 health hazards commonly encountered during the winter. Cause illness to the point of death Including influenza, pneumonia, diarrhea, measles, freezing and sniffing water heater gas.

On November 21, Dr. Thongchai Keeratihatthayakorn Acting Director-General of the Department of Disease Control said that as the Meteorological Department announced that Thailand will enter winter from 14 Nov. 2023, some areas will have exceptionally cold weather. Especially the northern and northeastern regions. Climate change is a common cause of illness. The Department of Disease Control has therefore issued a warning about disease prevention and health hazards that may occur during the winter season in Thailand in 2023, divided into 4 groups as follows: 1. Respiratory diseases, including influenza. The virus spreads through breathing, coughing, and sneezing. Patients often have an acute high fever, coughing, chills, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, and red eyes. Most patients will recover on their own. But there will be some groups at risk of complications and severe symptoms, such as people with chronic diseases. young children or elderly people And the death rate is often found in people over 60 years of age or those with chronic diseases.

Pneumonia is caused by infection of the air sacs within the lung tissue. Most pathogens are both bacteria and viruses, such as influenza. Coronavirus 2019, etc. Patients will have fever, cough and shortness of breath. Those with severe symptoms will develop respiratory failure. and have a chance of dying Found in all age groups. People with compromised immune systems and those with a history of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are more likely to have severe symptoms. It can be treated with antimicrobial drugs based on the bacteria that causes the disease. In addition, there is COVID-19 disease that must be strictly monitored. Once infected, patients usually experience symptoms for an average of 5 days. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches, and loss or change in the sense of taste or smell. If you have any suspected symptoms, get tested for infection with ATK immediately, and if the results are positive, wear a mask at all times. Refrain from doing activities with others. If symptoms are severe, seek hospital treatment. and asks people to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If infected, it will prevent severe illness and death.

2. Gastrointestinal and waterborne diseases are diarrhea caused by viruses. Caused by eating food or water/ice that is contaminated with pathogens. Especially viruses that cause gastrointestinal diseases. Eating uncooked or stale food, unclean utensils It can be found in patients of all genders and ages. The patient has loose or watery diarrhea. Most often heal on their own. But if too much water and minerals are lost, it can cause shock, loss of consciousness, and death. Can be prevented by taking care of hygiene. Drink clean water and eat clean, cooked food.

3. Other important communicable diseases During the winter, measles is transmitted by coughing, sneezing, or talking in close proximity. Patients can spread the infection 1-2 days before symptoms begin. They usually have a fever, runny nose, dry cough, and a rash that appears as a raised, red rash. stuck together in patches There is no specific treatment. But there is a vaccine that can prevent the disease. The first injection is given at 9-12 months of age and the second dose at 1 and a half years.

4. Health hazards that cause death related to cold weather include deaths that occur both inside and outside of residences without adequate clothing or warm coverings. Ask people to prepare to warm up their bodies. Eat nutritious food Drink warm drinks. Wear adequate winter clothing. Refrain from drinking any type of alcoholic beverage. Drinking alcohol is a factor that increases the risk of death during cold weather.

Another issue is inhaling toxic gases from gas water heaters. This is because gas water heaters have incomplete fuel combustion. In addition, there are not enough ventilation holes in the bathroom. Causes the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas. and carbon monoxide in large quantities Can cause sudden death to those who inhale it. Tourists should observe ventilation in bathrooms. If using a gas water heater, turn on the ventilation fan every time you take a shower. In the case of bathing in succession with many people Turn on the exhaust fan and leave the bathroom door open for at least 10 minutes. If there is no exhaust fan, leave the bathroom door open for at least 15 minutes to allow air to circulate. And take the time to shower quickly.

“During the winter, people like to travel to experience the cold weather. Therefore, we request cooperation from agencies related to tourism. Facilitate, give advice, take care and prevent accidents for tourists in points or areas that are at repeated risk. and advise tourists who have congenital diseases such as heart disease and high blood pressure respiratory disease Take extra care of yourself to prevent unexpected events. Bring your medicine with you every time you travel. And motorists must not drink alcohol or take intoxicants for the safety of drivers and other road users,” Dr. Thongchai said.