Misericórdias Saúde

30 October 2025

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.