The Portuguese Medical Association (OM) today advised the use of masks in various situations, including public transport and health units, as a measure to minimize the impact of respiratory infections.
In a statement, the OM said that “given the current situation of high circulation of respiratory viruses, particularly the influenza virus (flu), and the festive period of New Year’s Eve that is approaching, the Order of Physicians, through its president and the Influenza/Vaccination Monitoring Committee, strongly recommends the use of masks in health units and in residential or care facilities for vulnerable, elderly or disabled populations”.
It also advises “the use of masks in community pharmacies, in closed and crowded environments (e.g. public transport) and in contact with more vulnerable people”, as well as “the use of masks for more vulnerable people (e.g. with chronic illnesses or immunosuppressed) whenever they are in situations of increased risk of exposure”.
Among other measures, it is recommended that people with symptoms suggestive of respiratory infection or an established diagnosis stay at home, avoiding the workplace and schools, and favoring teleworking.
On the other hand, the same note adds, people with complaints suggestive of respiratory infection should comply with basic hygiene and infection control measures, such as distancing themselves at least 1.5 meters from other people, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and wearing a mask in the presence of other people, for five to 10 days after the onset of symptoms.
“In case of need, the SNS24 should be contacted and special attention should be paid to the appearance of alarm signs: persistent fever that does not respond to antipyretics, difficulty breathing, bloody sputum, altered degree of wakefulness and persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or inability to eat and hydrate properly,” the OM also warns.
The OM recalls that vaccination is the most important measure in preventing the disease and you can still get it free of charge at pharmacies against the flu and Covid-19, if you are 60 or over.
