Coronavirus, the weapons to avoid the second wave – Chronicle

Rome, September 29, 2020 – While in europe splashes of contagion (Spain is the first in infections and France is considering a new blockade), some behaviors help stop the epidemic of the virus in italy: physical distance, personal and environmental hygiene and use of masks. Among other things, the latter are also prescribed outdoors in some cities, such as Genoa, or regions (Sicily). To these standards we add the growing capacity to intercept new suspected or positive cases of Sars-Cov-2 with swabs, thermal scanners, tracing the circle of possible infected and cures in patients with Covid: cortisone, antivirals, anticoagulants, oxygen, serums and antibodies monoclonal. Here is a guide to defend ourselves from a possible second wave of Covid, pending the definitive vaccine. Today we already have a formidable offer of vaccination to limit both the spread of exanthematous diseases (measles, chicken pox), as well as enemies such as influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis.

1) Masks and barrier effect

While waiting for a specific vaccine, the masks they are one of the fundamental protections capable of eliminating the risk of contagion. The barrier effect against SARS-CoV-2 reduces viral load, the concentration of viruses dispersed in the air. This phenomenon could simulate a vaccination, in the sense that when an extremely small amount of viral particles reaches the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, it can trigger an infection without symptomsI, without disease, able to activate natural defenses. This is the theory illustrated in the New England Journal of Medicine by Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. The hypothesis would also explain asymptomatic carriers, subjects in which the virus, present in the upper respiratory tract, evokes the production of antibodies. Surgical masks (also called Samaritan masks) protect as long as everyone is wearing them, as long as an infected person walks bare-faced and is a problem. Today there are also washable eco-friendly masks with a Bacterial Filtration Efficiency Rating (BFE) valid in both directions, so they are also ideal for children in school.

2) Distances yes, but protecting economies

Physical distance between people and travel restrictions are measures, sometimes drastic, that have proven effective in preventing the multiplication of outbreaks. A compromise must be found between protecting the health of the community and safeguard economies territories, as seen in Ventimiglia, for those arriving in Liguria from France. They are crucial, since thousands of border workers cross those borders every day and must be preserved, but at the same time, with their contribution to economic development, they support the standard of living and well-being of communities.

3) Decisive pads at the airport

me tampons These are tests that allow knowing the presence of the virus in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract through a painless sampling that is performed by collecting biological samples from the nostrils with a cotton-coated swab. Nasopharyngeal examination of travelers in transit at airports, as a form of control in addition to other precautions, aims to limit the circulation of the virus. The execution implies an extension of the travel times that must be taken into account.

4) Personal and environmental hygiene

Amuchina, alcohol, soap, hand sanitizer gel and other cleaners have been defined “real weapons prevention of contagion “by Silvestro Scotti, national secretary of the Federation of General Practitioners (Fimmg). An alcoholic gel has the power to break down the microbial viral load that can be passed from hand to hand when touching objects of common use in public places, schools, workplaces, recreational spaces or on means of transport Another hygienic measure: favor the exchange of air by frequently opening the windows in closed environments frequented by several people even at different times.

5) Get vaccinated to prevent other epidemics

Experience In recent months, it has reduced the fatality rate of Sars-Cov-2 infection compared to hospital admissions last spring. Antiviral therapies, with cortisone and heparin made a difference, but also the ability to understand the time of the intervention. Punctuality in the diagnosis and initiation of protocols allows minimizing intensive care hospitalizations. Now, while you wait for a vaccine, it’s time to take advantage of other vaccines that protect us for example from influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis and exanthematous diseases. “Measures such as confinement and social distancing – said Marina Panfilo at the Motor Sanità Summer School – have had a huge impact on the economy. While we wait for specific drugs against Covid-19, the vaccines that were interrupted during the pandemic must be recovered immediately. Because if we do not recover the subjects who have not been vaccinated, the risk is of suffering other epidemics during the pandemic. All vaccinations must be supported, because all together they promote the health of the population “.