TTB warns of Covid-19: "There will be a more severe flu epidemic this year."

Source: News Center

The Covid-19 pandemic gained momentum with the opening of schools.

Emrah Kırımlı, a member of the Board of Directors of the Turkish Medical Association Family Medicine Branch (TTB-AHEK), stated that the disease presents different symptoms compared to previous years. He said, "Covid-19 spreads from schools to homes. Most of the population lives in crowded schools and homes... This situation facilitates the spread of the disease."

According to the news in Cumhuriyet newspaper, TTB-AHEK Board Member Emrah Kırımlı stated that the intensity of the Covid-19 epidemic, which started again at the end of August, increased with the opening of schools.

Kırımlı said, "Covid-19 is widespread in society. Testing is generally not done, but those who have been tested and those who haven't are showing the same symptoms. There are more cases this year than last year." Kırımlı emphasized that Covid-19 is spreading from schools to homes, adding, "As we see, most of society is in crowded schools and homes, and unfortunately, this situation facilitates the spread of the disease."

Kırımlı stated that the disease presents different symptoms this year, saying, "Unlike last year, Covid-19 begins with symptoms like a cough and a mild fever, followed by gastrointestinal discomfort, joint pain, and fatigue. These symptoms persist for about a week. Those who exhibit these symptoms likely have Covid-19."

Kırımlı stated that proper ventilation in public spaces, especially schools, and keeping sick students away from school are the first precautions in combating the disease. He said, "The virus is transmitted through respiratory contact and close contact. Therefore, schools and healthcare institutions are high-risk areas."

Kırımlı underlined that those showing symptoms of the disease should wear masks in health institutions, waiting areas, public transportation vehicles and schools.

On the other hand, Kırımlı recommended that chronically ill patients and the elderly, who are at-risk groups, wear masks and issued the following warning:

"In the coming months, there will be a flu pandemic that will be more severe than Covid-19. We have measures in place for this, and I recommend that citizens get their flu vaccines."