Autumn and winter – a time of increased infections Review article

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections occur throughout the year, but the incidence of infections varies depending on the season and increases significantly in the autumn-winter period. It seems that the main factors in the seasonality and increase in the incidence of respiratory infections in the autumn-winter period are: increased environmental pollution, inhaled air is colder in autumn and winter compared to summer, moist and cool air causing hypothermia, dry air in homes caused by heating and breathing it, excessive heating of apartments, lack of sunlight and lower production of vitamin D, reduced distance between people. The most important thing in dealing with infections in autumn and winter is prevention, and its basic element is strengthening the immune system. However, even the best prevention will not protect us 100%. In the event of a respiratory infection, appropriate treatment should be implemented. In each case of infection (especially of viral etiology), symptomatic treatment should be applied. In several specific situations, where the etiology is known or suspected, we have causative drugs in our arsenal. This applies to influenza infection (oseltamivir), bacterial infection (antibiotic, e.g. amoxicillin with clavulanic acid) and atypical infections (macrolide). Oseltamivir is administered in influenza and when it is suspected. Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid plays a special role in the outpatient treatment of acute otitis media and community-acquired pneumonia. Azithromycin is the first-line drug in atypical infections (pertussis, mycoplasma).