Acute respiratory infections

The month of July marks the end of the cool season. Maximum temperature averages 22,1°C and night time temperature is usually about 7,6°C. Occurrence of ground frost (0,0°C) is high.The cool season extends over three months, May to July.

The worrisome hazard over this period is, of course, fires and the consequent risk to burns because of environmental conditions of this season. Biological hazards notably of viral origin are also a cause for concern in this cool season.This commonly manifests itself in the form of acute respiratory infections.There are two broad categories of acute respiratory infections namely upper and lower respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections affect the lining of the airway from the nostrils to the larynx where the vocal cords or voice box is located.

The infection may affect the sinuses in the nose and may also affect the middle part of the ear. The common cold is the most prevalent upper respiratory infection. It is typically characterised by congestion and or runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and coughing.

Lower respiratory infections extend from the trachea or wind pipe, the bronchi, alveoli or air sacs of the lungs.

Pneumonia is the most common lower respiratory infection.

It is a life threatening condition particularly in children, the elderly and those with other chronic conditions or those whose immune system is weakened by another condition.

Its typical signs and symptoms include fever, cough with phlegm, and shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing as well as increased rate of breathing in children.

Acute respiratory infections are among the leading global causes of ill health and mortality, more so in children under five.

Upper respiratory infections reportedly cause 1,9 million deaths worldwide annually.

Lower respiratory infections cause about to 2,2 million deaths a year globally.

Similarly acute respiratory infections are a significant cause of ill health and mortality in Zimbabwe. Current statistics from the Ministry of Health and Child Care indicate that 8 622 people were treated for the common cold and or influenza for the week 6 to 12th June 2016 alone and 139 010 for the period January to mid-June 2016.

Studies on acute respiratory infections generally point to modifiable risk factors that can be addressed to manage the acute respiratory infection menace.These include nutritional status, environmental factors, knowledge levels and delays in seeking treatment.

Nutritional Status

The Ministry of Health and Child Care describes nutrition as the science of food and the way the body uses it to provide the necessary nutrients in the right amounts to ensure normal body function, growth, development and maintenance of the immune system.

Nutrition therefore plays an important role in overall health.

However, malnutrition is a cause for concern in Zimbabwe.

The ZimStat Multi-Indicator Survey of 2014 found 11 percent of children under five to be moderately underweight and 2,2 percent were severely underweight.

An even more worrisome trend was the finding that children 12 to 23 months were more likely to be underweight yet this is a critical developmental stage.

A quarter of the children were found to be moderately stunted.

This is further confirmed by the ZimVac Report of 2016 finding that the national prevalence of stunting is 26,6 percent with more boys affected than girls.Nutritional needs vary according to age or stage of development and sex.

Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed exclusively until the baby is six months old and to continue breastfeeding until the child is eighteen months.

Generally nutritionists advise that a healthy meal must consist of no more than 50 percent of carbohydrates like sadza and rice, not less than 15 percent protein such as beans and meat, a small amount of fat about 5 percent and the rest must be vegetables and fruit to provide much needed vitamins and other micronutrients.A well-nourished body is less likely to succumb to acute respiratory infections.

Environmental Factors

A number of factors have been found to increase the risk to acute respiratory infections.

Chief among these are inadequate ventilation, overcrowding and smoky environments in the home such as the use firewood in kitchens.

Interventions must seek to minimise exposure to these adverse environmental conditions.

Knowledge Levels

Early recognition of critical signs and symptoms for acute respiratory infections or any form of ill health is central in decision making on the necessary interventions to be taken. Seeking treatment early is essential.

This is an area that requires sustained strengthening.

The ZimStat Multi-Indicator Survey of 2014 found that only 13 percent of caregivers of children under five would take the child to hospital if the child had fast or had difficulty in breathing.

While acute respiratory infections are common and can be life threatening timely appropriate interventions minimise the risk of contracting or succumbing to the infection.

Let us all be vigilant to the hazards associated with the cool season. Remember be a good citizen, reduce the risk to disaster!