Protect yourself and others from respiratory infections
How can we protect ourselves and others from respiratory infections? Find out below.
Pathogens such as flu viruses, the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause respiratory infections. The symptoms of various respiratory diseases are similar. There is an increased risk of transmission and infection in indoor spaces where many people are gathered. These pathogens are usually transmitted directly via droplets and aerosols from the respiratory tract. Aerosols are invisible particles suspended in the air.
You can reduce the risk of catching a respiratory infection by following one or a combination of the following hygiene and social distancing recommendations. That way you not only protect yourself but also people at especially high risk of serious illness or complications, including the following:
People aged 65 or over
Adults with certain pre-existing conditions
Pregnant women
Premature babies, infants and toddlers
If you’re not sure whether or not you are at especially high risk, please contact your doctor.
If you are at especially high risk, you should contact your doctor if you develop any cold symptoms so that you can get the right treatment as soon as possible.
Get vaccinated
Vaccination can protect you from some diseases. Each vaccination is recommended for certain groups. Find out if you’re eligible:
If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, stay at home. This way you prevent the disease from spreading further. If you are working, discuss with your employer your work schedule, what protective measures you need to take and whether you need a medical certificate (and if so, how long it has to be valid for).
Keep your distance
The risk of infection is increased when you are in close contact with other people. This is because when they sneeze or cough, and even when they just speak or breathe more heavily, people release more droplets and aerosols into their immediate vicinity. So by keeping your distance from others, you can reduce your risk of infection.
Wear a facemask
You can continue to wear a facemask if you wish. As pathogens are transmitted via droplets and aerosols, facemasks can protect you and others from infection. And if you develop symptoms of possible infection, wearing a facemask can be particularly useful in helping to ensure that you do not pass any viruses on.
A surgical mask can be particularly useful in protecting others from infection through droplets, provided it is worn correctly. It will also offer the wearer some protection from droplets coming from other persons in the immediate vicinity.
Surgical masks are adequate for use in day-to-day situations. Filtering face piece masks provide extra protection for people who need it or in situations where there is a greater risk of virus transmission (such as enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces).
Please note that a filtering face piece mask will only offer such additional protection provided it is of the right size and shape for your face and fits closely and snugly at all times.
Ventilate several times a day
Ventilating reduces the concentration of pathogens and contaminants in indoor spaces and thus the risk of transmission. So any indoor areas where several people congregate should be well ventilated on a regular basis. Temperature permitting, it is also a good idea to leave windows open for extended periods.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue or the crook of your arm
Viruses can be spread by blowing your nose, sneezing, spitting and coughing. So cough or sneeze into a tissue whenever you can. Use a paper tissue for this, use it only once and then dispose of it immediately. If you don’t have a tissue, you should cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm. Then wash or sanitise your hands.
Wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly
Wash your hands regularly or disinfect them with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. You should wash your hands whenever you
come home
have touched objects or surfaces that have also been touched frequently by other people
