Infectious disease doctor Andrei Pozdnyakov told us how many colds during the year are normal and how many are not.
If a person catches a cold several times throughout the year, this does not always mean poor health. Doctor Pozdnyakov called it normal to contract ARVI up to six times a year. But more frequent cases of viral infections are an indicator of weakened immunity and require contact with doctors.
“It is considered normal to have ARVI up to six times a year. If a person suffers from primary respiratory infections much more often, for example, ten times a year or more, then this is a reason to consult a doctor, since this may indicate problems with the immune system,” Pozdnyakov said in a commentary to Izvestia.
The infectious disease specialist added that the most susceptible to contracting respiratory infections are young children and the elderly. But it is not they who are most at risk of suffering from the consequences of ARVI, but people with chronic problems that weaken the immune system. Among such problems, the doctor named HIV, endocrine diseases, vascular pathologies, lung diseases (for example, bronchial asthma or COPD).
“Most complications of ARVI are associated with activation of pathogenic flora. With reduced immunity after a respiratory infection, pathogenic flora can be activated and cause secondary bacterial problems,” said Andrei Pozdnyakov.
The doctor drew attention to the fact that similar mistakes are often made when treating ARVI. He named the most common ones as incorrect temperature reduction, as well as incorrect use of antitussives, vasoconstrictors, and the use of antibiotics.
Earlier, the MedikForum.ru portal wrote that during the cold season, people can experience dangerous heart problems.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.
Andrey Pozdnyakov Health infectious disease doctor, chief physician of Invitro-Siberia