From the beginning of December, there has been a significant increase in admissions to both adult and pediatric emergency departments due to viral upper respiratory tract infections. A doctor, who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, has emphasized that these infections can be managed at home with rest and symptom-specific medications. Despite this knowledge, many patients still believe that receiving intravenous fluids (serum) in emergency departments would be beneficial.
Regarding the issue doctors give following advice; “If you are sick, get rest”. They acknowledge the expected increase in admissions during the winter season but note that there is also a substantial viral outbreak within hospitals due to internal transmission adding “Public hospitals, both in outdoor areas (for milder cases) and due to those seeking medical reports for infections, are experiencing a significant influx.
Patients typically visit the emergency department when the first symptoms appear. However, these are not emergency cases. The most crucial factor in speeding up the recovery from viral infections is to rest at home, especially during the most contagious period (4-5 days).”
Same professor emphasizes that viral infections are caused by viruses, rendering antibiotics ineffective as they target bacteria. He mentions that 70-80% of upper respiratory tract infections are viral in nature. Antibiotics do not prevent or reduce fever in viral infections; thus, they have no impact. On the contrary, their side effects can prolong the recovery process. The professor also dismisses the usefulness of commercial products such as vitamins, intravenous fluids, glutathione, and corticosteroids during illness. Additionally, he warns against the use of underground or poorly manufactured drugs and compounds that may lead to toxicity.
Türkçe