Hospital admissions in Poland are climbing as doctors warn of entering the peak season for infectious illnesses, according to data released on November 2.
Infection Statistics from October
According to a report released on November 2 by the e‑Health Centre in cooperation with the Main Sanitary Inspectorate and the Ministry of Health, there were 41.9 COVID‑19 cases per 100 000 residents, 6.7 flu cases, 0.2 pertussis, 6.4 chickenpox, 8.4 shingles and 0.4 RSV infections recorded in the last week of October.
Rising Hospital Admissions
Dr Marta Frejowska‑Reniecka, head of the Pulmonology Department at the St. Barbara Regional Specialist Hospital in Sosnowiec, noted that more patients are being brought to hospitals and family doctors because of recent infections.
“It is clear each day from the number of people in the emergency department and referrals from family doctors that we are entering the period of highest morbidity,” she said to the Polish Press Agency, quoted by Rynek Zdrowia.
Prevention Advice
She stressed that in the current infection season, prevention is crucial – avoid large temperature swings, dress appropriately, maintain a healthy diet, and keep up with vaccinations against RSV, flu and COVID‑19.
“These illnesses can cause serious complications and hospitalisation,” she added.
How to Protect Families
Don’t go to work or school if you have worrisome symptoms, and keep children at home so they do not spread disease to older relatives whose infections might be severe.
Pay attention to lingering symptoms such as cough, hoarseness or weakness, and seek medical attention if complications such as bacterial superinfection or myocarditis arise.
