In the past two days, cold air has hit, and the temperature in many places across the country has suddenly dropped "diving".
In the past, during the high incidence season of respiratory diseases, it was common to hear the saying that "low temperatures can 'freeze to death' the virus".
Can snowfall and cooling inhibit the spread of the virus?
Does low temperature weather alleviate the recent high incidence of respiratory diseases?
Is cooling conducive to "freezing to death" viruses and bacteria?
According to Cui Qingrong, deputy director of the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season of high incidence of respiratory infectious diseases.
Temperature mainly affects the survival time of the virus and does not affect its ability to be infectious. She said.
It is now generally accepted that low temperatures prolong the survival of respiratory viruses in the environment.
Studies have shown that many viruses can survive at temperatures as low as -70 for a long time.
For example, influenza viruses are highly tolerant to dry, cold temperatures and can survive for long periods of time in vacuum drying or sub-20 environmentsCoxsackievirus can survive for long periods of time at conditions ranging from -20 to -70.
As for the term "Ruixue Trillion Year", it is emphasized that low temperatures can kill pests of multicellular life to a certain extent. However, for single-celled bacteria or viruses with no cellular, they can survive longer at low temperatures.
Can cold weather alleviate the high incidence of respiratory diseases?
Cui Qingrong pointed out that the cold environment may accelerate the spread of the virus, on the one hand, the low temperature makes people more exposed to the virus, and on the other hand, the low temperature may make the virus incubate in the human body for longer, providing time for the virus to infect others.
Although the virus prefers cold, dry air, snowfall has both advantages and disadvantages for the spread of the virus.
Snowfall cleans the air because snowflakes are effective at settling fine particles floating in the air, which often harbor viruses or bacteria.
So after the snowfall, the air quality is usually very good, and everyone can breathe in peace. She said.
As we often say, "It's cold, beware of catching a cold." ”
Cui Qingrong said that this statement is not accurate, because cold is not the cause of colds, but it is more conducive to the invasion of viruses into the human body.
After being exposed to cold, the mucous membranes of the human respiratory system are more likely to be damaged, the virus survives longer, multiplies faster, and the virus that enters the nasal cavity has a greater probability of infecting cells.
What are some simple and effective ways to reduce the risk of infection from respiratory illnesses in winter?
Xi good personal hygiene.
Frequent hand washing is an important measure to prevent respiratory infections.
After touching objects in public places, wash your hands in time and avoid touching your mouth, nose, eyes and other parts with your hands.
Maintain good indoor air circulation.
Open windows regularly to ventilate and maintain indoor air circulation to reduce the risk of virus transmission.
Pay attention to respiratory hygiene.
When going out, try to wear protective equipment such as masks to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus through the respiratory tract.
Vaccination. Vaccination is one of the important means of preventing infectious diseases.
For high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women, if there are no contraindications to vaccination, Cui Qingrong suggested timely vaccination to enhance active defense capabilities.
Practice social distancing.
Confined places with poor air circulation can easily cause the spread of respiratory infections, so it is recommended to wear masks and maintain social distancing.
Strengthens the body's immunity.
A healthy lifestyle, such as a reasonable diet and moderate exercise, can improve the body's immunity and enhance resistance to viruses.
Top News Henan Business Daily).