📋 Tender Overview
If fever, difficulty breathing, among other symptoms, are identified, the patient should go to the nearest health facility and not self-medicate.Before the start of the winter season, the Ministry of Health (Minsa) provides recommendations to avoid complications that generate risk to the health of citizens.
The general director of Strategic Interventions in Public Health, Cristian Diaz Velez, highlights the importance of vaccination, hand washing, the correct way to dress, skin care, among other recommendations.
1. Vaccination
To avoid complications due to respiratory diseases and protect the health of children, older adults, people with comorbidities or those in vulnerable situations, the Minsa offers free vaccines against influenza, pneumococcus, covid-19, among others, in the different health facilities.
2. Hand washing
Research shows that washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps prevent and reduce acute respiratory infections; It also reduces diarrheal, skin, conjunctivitis and other diseases.
3. Correct hydration and nutrition
Stay hydrated by consuming warm drinks. It is not necessary to overeat, but it is important to consume fruits, vegetables and nuts. A balanced diet will strengthen the immune system.
4. Cover yourself and your loved ones.
To maintain body temperature and avoid colds, it is recommended to wear two to three pieces of clothing that cover most of the skin. However, overdressing can cause suffocation.
5. Protect the minor in the home.
Babies under 6 months old should consume breast milk, which provides them with ideal nutrients and temperature to protect them from the cold. Those older than 6 months should continue with breast milk and receive complementary foods rich in iron, such as blood, liver, red meat, organ meats, chard or spinach.
6. Prevention.
In the presence of symptoms such as general malaise, fever, nasal congestion, cough or headache, and in crowded spaces such as markets, shopping centers or public transport, the Minsa recommends the optional use of masks.
7. Physical activity.
During the low temperature season, sedentary lifestyle may increase. Going for walks, exercises at home or physical activities in free moments will allow you to stay active. Before a sporting activity, do a short warm-up and bring additional clothing to avoid wearing wet clothes.
8. Take care of your skin
Radiation, humidity and cold can damage the skin, so constant hydration and the use of a balm to hydrate the lips is recommended.
Cristian Diaz Velez also highlights that, in the presence of fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, intense general discomfort or rapid breathing, it could be a respiratory infection. In these cases, the patient should not self-medicate and should go to the nearest health facility.
