Recently, many regions across the country have entered a high-incidence period of respiratory diseases, and the number of outpatients in pediatrics and respiratory departments of hospitals has continued to rise. Data from the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the currently prevalent respiratory diseases are mainly caused by influenza virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and respiratory syncytial virus, presenting a superimposed epidemic situation of multiple pathogens. In the face of the aggressive respiratory diseases, scientific defense is more important than treatment. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide for respiratory health protection in autumn and winter from four dimensions: disease characteristics, high-risk groups, protective measures, and home care.
I. Understanding Current Respiratory Diseases: Characteristics and Transmission Routes
The currently prevalent respiratory diseases mainly present the following characteristics:
(1) Diversification of pathogens
Monitoring by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that in northern regions, the influenza virus is dominant, while in southern regions, the proportion of mycoplasma pneumoniae infections has increased. In some areas, adenovirus, rhinovirus and the novel coronavirus have co-spread. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children shows the characteristic of enhanced resistance to macrolide antibiotics, while in adults, the influenza virus A(H3N2) subtype is dominant.
(2) Strong and concealed dissemination power
Respiratory diseases are mainly transmitted through droplets and contact. Droplets produced when patients cough or sneeze can carry a large number of pathogens and remain suspended in a confined space for several hours. It is worth noting that some pathogens, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, have an incubation period of 1 to 3 weeks. Before symptoms appear, patients are already contagious, which increases the difficulty of prevention and control.
(3) Symptoms overlap and are easily confused
The initial symptoms of different pathogen infections are similar, all presenting as upper respiratory tract symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat. Among them:
Influenza virus infection is often accompanied by muscle aches and headaches.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is typically characterized by irritating dry cough.
Respiratory syncytial virus is prone to cause bronchiolitis in infants and young children.
Ii. Key Protected groups: These groups need to be particularly vigilant
Respiratory diseases are universally susceptible to all populations, but the following groups have a significantly increased risk of developing severe conditions after infection and require special protection:
(1) Children’s group (especially those under 5 years old
Children’s immune systems are not yet fully developed. Their nasal cavities are narrow and the mucous membranes are tender, making it easy for pathogens to invade the lower respiratory tract. Data shows that the incidence of mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children under 5 years old is 3.2 times that of adults, and they are prone to complications such as otitis media and myocarditis. Kindergartens, primary schools and other collective places, due to their dense population and frequent contact, have become the main venues for the spread of diseases.
(2) Elderly population (aged 65 and above)
The elderly often have underlying diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension and diabetes. The rate of severe cases after being infected with respiratory pathogens is 4.7 times that of the general population. Studies show that the mortality rate of people over 80 years old who contract the flu can reach 14.3%, and they should be given priority to receive the flu vaccine.
(3) Patients with special occupations and underlying diseases
Occupational groups such as medical staff, teachers, and bus drivers have more opportunities to come into contact with pathogens, increasing their risk of infection by 2 to 3 times. Patients with asthma, chronic heart and lung diseases, and immune deficiency diseases are prone to aggravated conditions after infection and need to take preventive measures in advance.
Iii. Scientific Defense System: Building Three protective barriers
To prevent respiratory diseases, it is necessary to establish a three-level protection network of “individual – family – community”, with a focus on the following five aspects:
(1) Vaccination: The first line of defense for active immunity
Influenza vaccine: The best vaccination period is from September to November each year. The protective efficacy for key groups (the elderly, children, and patients with chronic diseases) can reach 60% to 80%. Data from the 2023-2024 flu season shows that vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza-related hospitalizations in children by 74%.
Pneumococcal vaccine: It is recommended that people aged 65 and above and those with chronic diseases receive the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, which can prevent 85% of invasive pneumococcal diseases.
COVID-19 vaccine: According to the latest version of the prevention and control guidelines, the elderly and those with underlying diseases should receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner to reduce the risk of severe illness.
(2) Personal Protection: Daily behavior cultivation
Wear masks properly: In enclosed places such as hospitals, subways, and elevators, medical surgical masks or masks of higher protection levels should be worn, and the continuous wearing should not exceed 4 hours. N95/KN95 masks, when used in contact with suspected patients, can reduce the risk of infection by more than 90%.
Hand hygiene management: Use the “seven-step handwashing method”. Wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer before meals, after using the toilet, and after touching public items. The rubbing time should be no less than 20 seconds. When it is inconvenient to wash hands, hand sanitizers containing 70% to 80% alcohol can be used.
Enhance immunity: Ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep every day, and children need more than 10 hours. Maintain a balanced diet and increase the intake of fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C. Moderate exercise is recommended. It is suggested to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking or swimming.
(3) Environmental Optimization: Reduce the breeding of pathogens
Ventilation and air exchange: Open Windows for ventilation 2 to 3 times a day, each time for no less than 30 minutes, which can reduce the concentration of pathogens in the indoor air by 60% to 70%. When using an air conditioner, it is necessary to clean the filter screen regularly. Cleaning it every two weeks can reduce the growth of mold.
Cleaning and disinfection: For frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, mobile phones, and desktops, wipe them twice a week with chlorine-containing disinfectants (such as 84 disinfectant, diluted at a ratio of 1:100). Children’s toys and tableware need to be regularly boiled for disinfection or treated in a disinfection cabinet.
Reduce gatherings: During the high-incidence period of the disease, try to avoid going to crowded places. If necessary, keep a social distance of more than one meter. When having a family gathering, if any member shows respiratory symptoms, they should wear a mask and eat alone.
Iv. Family Care Guidelines: Home Coping Strategies for Mild Cases
When family members show mild respiratory symptoms, scientific home care can effectively prevent the condition from worsening and at the same time prevent cross-infection.
(1) Symptom Monitoring and Medication Principles
Antigen test kits for rapid screening: When family members show suspected symptoms such as fever and cough, antigen test kits can be used for initial screening. Influenza virus antigen testing should be conducted within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, while Mycoplasma pneumoniae testing mainly relies on throat swab sampling.
Body temperature management: When the armpit temperature is less than 38.5℃, physical cooling should be given priority (wiping the neck, armpits, groin and other areas with warm water). When the temperature exceeds 38.5℃, acetaminophen (10-15mg/kg for children each time) or ibuprofen (5-10mg/kg each time) can be used. The interval between two doses should be no less than 4 hours. Avoid using multiple antipyretics simultaneously.
Cough management: When dry cough is the main symptom, dextromethorphan (for adults) and ambroxol oral solution (for children) can be used. For those with excessive phlegm, expectorants such as acetylcysteine and ambroxol should be selected to avoid strong cough suppressants that may affect the discharge of phlegm.
Medication contraindications: Children are prohibited from using cough suppressants containing codeine. Pregnant women should avoid using antiviral drugs such as ribavirin. Elderly people should use compound cold medicines with caution (containing pseudoephedrine which may raise blood pressure).
(2) Isolation and disinfection measures
The patient should live alone in a well-ventilated room, wear a medical surgical mask and cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing. The patient’s clothes and bedding need to be washed separately. They should be washed with hot water above 60℃ and exposed to the sun. For tableware use only. Boil and disinfect for 30 minutes after use. Family members should wash their hands immediately after contact with patients and avoid sharing towels, water cups and other items.
(3) Indications for medical treatment: Seek medical attention immediately if any of these situations occur
The following situations indicate that the condition may worsen and you should go to the hospital in time:
Persistent high fever for more than 3 days, or fever recurs after the fever subsides;
{” id “: 1313867,” text “:” youdaoplaceholder0 Present with breathing difficulties, cyanosis of the lips, and listlessness;
Infants and young children show signs of refusing to eat, reduced urine output, and restlessness.
The elderly may experience aggravated underlying diseases or changes in consciousness.
V. Correction of Misunderstandings: These practices may backfire
In the prevention and control of respiratory diseases, the following common cognitive misunderstandings should be avoided:
(1) Blind use of antibiotics
Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections and are only needed for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and bacterial infections. The abuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of drug resistance. Research shows that the resistance rate of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children in China to macrolide antibiotics has reached 82.3%.
(2) Excessive disinfection and dietary restrictions
Frequent use of alcohol spray for air disinfection may irritate the respiratory mucosa. Normal families do not need to disinfect every day. During illness, there is no need to overly restrict one’s diet. A balanced diet is more conducive to recovery. Unless it is clear that there is a food allergy, there is no need to avoid high-protein foods such as eggs and seafood.
(3) Reliance on vitamin C effervescent tablets
A daily intake of vitamin C exceeding 1000mg does not enhance immunity; instead, it may cause adverse reactions such as diarrhea and urinary tract stones. It is safer and more effective to supplement vitamin C through fresh fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, kiwis, broccoli, etc.
Protect respiratory health and build an immune Great Wall together
The prevention and control of respiratory diseases is a systematic project that requires the joint participation of individuals, families and society. In the face of the current high incidence of diseases, we must not only remain vigilant and avoid panic, but also build a solid immune barrier through scientific protection, vaccination and a healthy lifestyle. Remember, the best treatment is prevention, and the simplest protection is often the most effective. Let’s join hands and take action to protect our health with knowledge, and safely get through this high-incidence season of respiratory diseases in autumn and winter.
Post time: Dec-03-2025