Prevention of acute respiratory diseases amongst active athletes

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 16, 2022, № 1, 36-41.

T. Georgieva, E. Naseva, Kr. Rankov, M. Nikolova

Abstract. Active athletes seek for medical advice for acute respiratory diseases (ARD) mainly from their general practitioners and the number of outpatient visits during the winter season is significant. During the 2018/2019 pre-pandemic season, most athletes took additional vitamins, supplements and immunostimulants in order to prevent influenza and ARD, while during the 2019/2020 pandemic season, the hygiene measures, related to frequent hand washing, disinfection and ventilation of the premises have become the leading step. The percentage of athletes who attend fitness centers and practice indoor activities is high even when they are ill or when they continue to train actively, regardless of the presence of ARD. There is a low awareness of prevention options and the benefits of influenza vaccinations.

Key words: prevention, respiratory diseases, athletes, COVID-19

Address for correspondence: Teodora Georgieva, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, National Sports Academy “V. Levski” – Sofia,e-mail: tgeorgieva@ncipd.org