2024-07-20 03:00:00
The scope of infection by the novel coronavirus is expanding. This situation might be called “Wave 11,” but the problem is not just the rising number of infections. Heat stroke and hand, foot and mouth disease may also occur due to seasonal reasons. It is said that some cases are difficult to distinguish and need to be careful. How should I handle this? (Miyahata Joe)
◆Symptoms are similar and sometimes difficult to distinguish
“Measures to prevent heatstroke, such as closing rooms and turning on air conditioning, are contradictory to measures to prevent and control infectious diseases. Since the beginning of July, there has been an increase in cases of the combination of the new coronavirus and heat stroke.”
Hakamichi Ito, director of the Ito Prince Kamiya Internal Medicine and Surgery Clinic (Kita-ku, Tokyo), said that in July he examined a woman in her 20s who suffered from the coexistence of the new coronavirus, heatstroke and siblings.
Although the woman did not require intravenous fluids or hospitalization, Dr. Ito said, “It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the novel coronavirus and symptoms of heat stroke, such as fatigue and headache. Neither patients nor medical institutions should assume it is heat stroke.” One, should get checked “It’s important to diagnose heat stroke. If you suspect heat stroke, it’s best to take action immediately.”
◆The number of new coronavirus infections has increased for 10 consecutive weeks
Since May, novel coronavirus infections have continued to spread.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of patients reported by sentinel medical institutions nationwide in the past week (July 8 to 14) was 11.18, an increase for the 10th consecutive week. Especially since the beginning of July, the expansion momentum has continued to increase. From May to the end of June, the number of people gradually increased from 2 to 5, but within two weeks in July, the number increased to 8 and more than 10 people. The same trend is happening in Tokyo.
An official from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare predicted: “The increase rate is similar to last year. Although it is difficult to predict accurately, it is possible that the number will increase further and reach a peak following Obon. ”
◆The mainstream mutant strain “KP.3” is highly contagious
The current mainstream mutant strain “KP.3” can evade conventional immunity and is said to be highly contagious. It is also characterized by sore throat and high fever.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the number of reported cases in the past week was higher than the same period last year. Dr. Satoshi Kimura, who provides home medical services in the Tokyo metropolitan area, said, “It is very contagious. Some people have been infected with the virus in the past and are now infected once more.” .
On the other hand, people also suffer from “hand, foot and mouth disease,” which causes a rash on the palms of the hands and inside the mouth. The number of patients reported by sentinel medical institutions in Tokyo in the past week was 16.39. The warning standard has been exceeded for five consecutive weeks. Although infants and young children are primarily affected, adults are also infected and develop severe symptoms.
◆If you cannot eat, you will become weak and it will take time to recover.
“Children are at risk of being infected with the novel coronavirus and other infectious diseases at the same time. When children develop hand, foot and mouth disease, the rash on their mouth becomes painful, they are unable to eat, and they are severely weakened.” And it can take a long time to recover.
Hitoshi Kuramochi, director of the Interpark Kuramochi Respiratory Department (Utsunomiya City), issued the warning. Also, watch out for hemolytic streptococci (streptococci).
Hitoshi Kuramochi, Director of the Respiratory Department at Interpark Kuramochi
Even if you don’t have multiple infections at the same time, your body will become weaker and more susceptible to dehydration following symptoms develop. Conversely, your immune system will weaken following heatstroke, making you more susceptible.
Past experience shows that if the infection spreads significantly, the burden on health care facilities will increase, as will the risk to people with underlying conditions and the elderly.
◆”Maintain ventilation even when using air conditioner”
Kuramochi stressed the importance of taking basic daily precautions, such as providing adequate ventilation when using air conditioners and avoiding large gatherings of people, and urged national and local governments to be prepared. “Medical pressure has suddenly increased. The new coronavirus has been classified as Category 5 in the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act, and hospital beds are no longer managed as before. There are not enough treatment drugs, and we cannot allow the same situation to happen.” As in the past, patients cannot get The treatment situation happened once more.
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