ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

8 high-risk public places for respiratory viruses

Respiratory viruses are highly contagious infections that spread through the air or by contact with contaminated surfaces. For instance, one may be infected if they are in the same space as a person with a respiratory infection. Similarly, if one touches a surface that someone with a viral infection has touched, one may also contract the infection. Due to this mode of transmission, certain places and venues pose a higher risk of getting infected.

High-risk public places for respiratory viruses
Hospitals
These are among the largest public spaces with a high risk of respiratory infection transmission. Due to the presence of numerous sick individuals, it is easy to come in contact with surfaces that may contain particles or droplets carrying the virus. Additionally, the enclosed space with air conditioning increases the risk of circulating airborne viruses throughout the facility.

Public transport
Using public transport like buses, cabs, trains, or airplanes can increase the risk of respiratory infection. When traveling on public transport, one is not only sharing the same space with other people who might be infected but also touching surfaces such as doors and handlebars that may have viral residues. Therefore, it’s important to be cautious and take necessary precautions to stay healthy and safe while traveling.

Supermarkets and malls
The layout of most supermarkets, grocery stores, and malls is usually such that it is hard to maintain distance from others. Moreover, these are enclosed indoor spaces with minimal scope of air ventilation. Thus, if someone infected by a respiratory virus coughs or sneezes and walks away, they will leave behind very small aerosol particles carrying the virus. Anyone who walks through this will be highly prone to contracting the infection.

Concert and sports venues
A lot of times, concert venues and sports stadiums do not have high-quality ventilation systems. In addition, the massive crowds at these places make it difficult to maintain stringent hygiene practices. People stand or sit quite close to one another, cheering, shouting, or singing. Thus, the infection can spread easily through respiratory droplets.

Movie theaters
Unless a movie theater has enforced safety and hygiene measures, the risk of infection from respiratory viruses is substantial, with people sitting close to one another and breathing the same air in a packed and confined theater. However, some theaters have an air circulation system that replaces the air over a brief period. In such places, the infection risk can be mild or moderate.

Classrooms
Schools and universities are common high-risk places for respiratory viruses. This is mostly because students, teachers, and other staff move around through different classrooms every day. Therefore, the infection can easily spread through the premises. Generally, the risk of infection depends on the size of the classrooms, the number of students and teachers, the distance maintained between each individual, and the ventilation of each room.

Restaurants, cafes, and bars
These are another significant hotspot for respiratory viruses. Restaurants, cafes, and bars that have enclosed indoor seating have a high rate of viral transmission. Even if hygiene measures are taken, and the space is well-ventilated, it is easy to be infected in these spaces since people are consistently talking loudly, eating, and coming in contact with chairs, cutlery, and plates that others have touched.

Religious services
Religious services have been identified as potential hubs for transmission and dispersal of respiratory viruses due to the nature of congregations gathering in closed indoor spaces. The risk of infection is high due to the large number of people present. Furthermore, when religious services run for a long period of time, the duration of exposure to the virus increases, further increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of transmission in religious settings, such as ensuring proper ventilation, practicing physical distancing, and using personal protective equipment.

Tips to prevent respiratory infections in public places
Preventing respiratory infections in public places can be challenging due to the role of immunity and genetics in determining susceptibility. However, there are measures one can take to reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory virus. Here are a few tips to help prevent respiratory infections caused by viruses in public spaces.

Wear a mask
When heading outdoors, it is essential to wear a medically-mandated mask. A tight-fitting and well-constructed mask can help lower the risk of infection in public places where there are large groups of people present within close proximity of one another. A mask also has the added benefit of acting as a barrier to keep off dust, allergens, and pollutants from entering the respiratory system through the nose and mouth.

Avoid non-essential visits to high-risk places
For those who are immunocompromised or are prone to frequent infections, it is important to avoid high-risk public places for respiratory viruses. Unless it is absolutely necessary, one should minimize visits to these places, especially if it is an enclosed indoor space.

Wash hands regularly
After coming home from outdoors, it is essential to wash hands with soap and warm water. Doing this for at least 20 seconds can help kill viruses and other infection-causing germs from hands. If one is traveling by public transport or has to go to one of the high-risk public places, it helps to carry a hand sanitizer. Use it to regularly sanitize hands, especially after touching doors and handlebars.

Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
One should avoid touching their eyes, mouth, and nose frequently. This is because respiratory viruses usually enter the body through these organs. It is important to avoid touching any part of the face if one’s hands have not been washed with soap or properly sanitized.

Avoid sharing drinking glasses, cutlery, and dishware
Respiratory viruses can easily spread through saliva. Thus, sharing drinking glasses, cups, straws, spoons, and dishware can increase the possibility of contracting an infection.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.