[Health and Wellness] November Health Report: High Incidence of Diseases, Pay Attention to Prevention

November Health Report, please check it out!

November is the season of transition from autumn to winter. During this time, the temperature drops sharply, and cold waves may strike in advance. The climate changes dramatically, making it a high season for diseases such as COVID-19, norovirus, cardiovascular diseases, seasonal influenza, and chickenpox. Everyone must take good measures to protect their health and prevent diseases.

1. COVID-19

At present, the COVID-19 pandemic is still spreading globally and has a tendency to worsen. Some experts predict that the global epidemic peak has not yet arrived and that global epidemic prevention and control may need to continue for several years. Although the overall situation of the epidemic in China is improving, the risk of a second outbreak still exists. We cannot rule out the possibility of a resurgence of the epidemic this winter and spring, so we must not be careless. With the continuous rise in foreign epidemics, the risk of imported cases will also increase. Protecting the achievements of domestic epidemic prevention and control is still a top priority!

Preventive Measures:

- Properly wear masks and do not cover your sneezes or coughs with your hands. Try to avoid close contact with individuals who have respiratory symptoms.

- Pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and disinfect regularly. Even in cold weather, proper ventilation indoors is necessary. When in crowded or enclosed spaces, take personal protective measures in advance.

- Strengthen exercise, maintain regular sleep patterns, and enhance your immune system. If you feel unwell, seek medical attention promptly.

2. Norovirus

According to CCTV news, from the evening of October 24th to 4:00 pm on October 25th, 16 students from Bayan County High School experienced mild vomiting and diarrhea symptoms. The school organized the students to seek medical treatment at Bayan County People's Hospital, and their conditions improved after treatment. The test results from Harbin Municipal CDC confirmed the infection of norovirus. According to the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, since September of this year, over 30 norovirus outbreaks have been reported nationwide, involving approximately 1,500 cases.

Norovirus, also known as Norwalk virus or Norwalk-like virus, is commonly referred to as "stomach flu." It was first isolated from a patient with acute diarrhea outbreak in Norwalk, Ohio, USA in 1968. It has a higher incidence rate among children and the elderly. The main symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and body aches.

Preventive Measures:

- Pay attention to personal hygiene and food hygiene.

- In the presence of cases with symptoms similar to gastroenteritis during gatherings, prompt isolation should be implemented.

3. Cardiovascular Diseases

The transitional period between autumn and winter is the high season for cardiovascular diseases. Research has found that for every 1-degree Celsius decrease in temperature, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases increases by 2%. Therefore, from November to March of the following year, it is the peak month for cardiovascular diseases.

Preventive Measures:

- Maintain a light diet and avoid consuming oily and greasy foods.

- Regularly measure blood pressure and closely monitor changes in your own blood pressure.

- Take showers for an appropriate duration. Prolonged bathing time with high water temperature reduces the oxygen content in the bathroom air, which increases the chances of insufficient blood supply and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

4. Seasonal Influenza

Influenza is a severe acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, which poses a significant threat to human health. According to data released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal influenza causes 3-5 million severe cases and 290,000-650,000 respiratory-related deaths worldwide each year.

Preventive Measures:

- Receive influenza vaccination, which is currently the most effective measure for preventing influenza.

- Increase ventilation by opening windows.

- Practice frequent handwashing using soap and running water.

- Wear masks to avoid contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of influenza.

5. Chickenpox

November is about to enter the peak period of chickenpox outbreaks.

Key population: Children aged 14 and below who have not received two doses of chickenpox vaccine.

Preventive Measures:

- Vaccination is currently the most economical, convenient, and effective method of preventing chickenpox.

- Pay attention to ventilation and keep the air circulating.

- Practice good personal hygiene and cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

We hope everyone stays away from diseases and enjoys good health and happiness. Remember to adjust your clothing according to the temperature difference between morning and evening, and try not to catch a cold!