The Ministry of Health recognized that there is circulation of the virus of the influenza A, also known as “Flu A”, in an “unusual” time, and anticipated that 1.12 million vaccines will begin to be distributed throughout the country next week.
“As of December 2021, a progressive increase in the number of Influenza A cases has been detected, in particular the H3N2 subtype, with 794 confirmed cases reported until February 10”said the ministry this March 16.
“This represents, epidemiologically, a circulation in an unusual period of the year for this respiratory viruswhich is commonly expected to circulate during late autumn and winter (mainly between the months of May and August),” they added.
National Influenza A alert: vaccination campaign will be promoted for April
Given this situation, it was explained that the government will begin to receive between Friday March 18 and Monday March 21 the first delivery of 1,120,000 flu doses that will begin to be distributed to the 24 jurisdictions early next week.
“The flu vaccine is a fundamental preventive tool to reduce complications,” explained Salud.
For this reason, the vaccine is included in the National Vaccination Calendar for health personnel, pregnant people at any time during pregnancy, postpartum people (until discharge from maternity, maximum 10 days, if they did not receive the vaccine during pregnancy), the population over 65 years of age, girls and boys from 6 to 24 months of age, and those between 2 and 64 years of age who present risk factors.
National alert for Influenza A: what it is, what its symptoms are and how to prevent it
Questions and answers about Influenza A
What is Influenza A
Influenza viruses are the main cause of flu symptoms, which mainly affects the nose, throat, bronchial tubes, and occasionally the lungs. The viral infection usually lasts a week and is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, muscle aches, headache, malaise, dry cough, sore throat, and rhinitis. The virus is easily spread from person to person through droplets and small particles expelled by coughing or sneezing.
Influenza tends to spread rapidly in seasonal epidemics, with most people recovering within a week or two. without the need for medical treatment. However, in young children, the elderly, and people with other serious medical conditions, the infection can lead to serious complications, leading to pneumonia and in some cases, death.
How is influenza A transmitted?
The possible routes of contagion can be through small drops that the patient eliminates when coughing, sneezing, talking, kissing or sharing utensils and food, just like Covid-19.
How is influenza A prevented?
- Clean surfaces touched by patients with water and detergent or soap, or 70% alcohol.
- Vaccination in those people who belong to groups defined by current immunization standards to prevent influenza
- Always wash your hands after you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or sanitize them with alcohol gel.
- Do not share food, glasses and cutlery.
What is known about “flurone”, the double infection of Covid-19 and flu
Who should be vaccinated?
The flu vaccine should be given every year. And the groups that must do so are: health personnel, pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy, children between 6 and 24 months of age, people between 2 and 64 years of age, including those with risk factors (such as heart, respiratory or kidney diseases). diseases, immunosuppression, diabetes and obesity) and adults older than 65 years. The defenses produced by the vaccine are generated between 10 and 15 days after application.
What to do in the presence of these symptoms?
First of all, it is important not to self-medicate and immediately go to the doctor. Secondly, it is necessary not to be in contact with other people and avoid going to work, school or closed places.
What did the Ministry of Health recommend?
“Continue with the prevention and care measures in force for COVID-19: maintain ventilated environments, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, use a mask, and avoid going to work, educational activities or public places in the presence of symptoms,” the government recommended.
In addition, the Ministry of Health asked the health teams “to raise awareness of the clinical suspicion of influenza-like illness and to implement prevention measures through vaccinations and care, especially in groups with a higher risk of developing complications, such as adults over 65 years of age, people pregnant women, children under 2 years of age, and those with risk factors.
ds
You may also like
–
–
