Morelia, Michoacan – Temperatures begin to drop in October and reach their lowest levels between December and January, causing the so-called “cold sickness.”its about Diseases that mainly damage the respiratory tract These include everything from the common cold to influenza, influenza, pneumococcus, pneumonia and now covid-19.
They all share common symptoms such as runny nose, muscle pain, and even sneezing, dry cough or phlegm.
This situation makes them particularly vulnerable because when they are confused, severely ill patients may not receive treatment or may not receive adequate treatment to achieve their goals. Serious complications or even death”, warns physician Vladimir Vazquez.
“Mexican culture is to take any antihistamine Or even face the “flu” with “Mexican courage” without thinking that it could be something more serious.
The situation is even more severe this winter among the elderly, a vulnerable group.
Minister of Health announced Two people have died from the flu in recent weeks in entity
Belinda Iturbide, head of the agency said The victim, who was over 60 years old, died of complications from pneumonia, Who has not been vaccinated.
He pointed out There are currently 75 cases of influenzawith the highest incidence rates in Uruapan, Morelia, Apatzingan and Patzcuaro.
However, epidemiologist Fabio Silahua Silva says The highest peak of infections will not occur until January and February Therefore, influenza vaccine administration continues, with a target of 531,000 doses administered.
influenza
Influenza is characterized by a fever above 38 degrees.; Muscle, body and throat pain; Cough, runny nose
Fabio Silahua Silva, head of the Epidemiology Unit, explained that the disease is spread from person to person through saliva droplets expelled when sneezing or coughing; The same goes for shaking hands, kissing, or hugging someone with a respiratory infection, as the virus enters the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes.
If left untreated, some of the complications this condition can cause are: pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, the patient can be sent to the hospital. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any symptoms.
The influenza virus has great genetic variability, so it will never confer permanent immunity. Therefore, annual vaccination is necessary, especially for vulnerable groups. In addition to the risk of hospitalization and even death, the flu It may cause viral and/or bacterial pneumonia.
influenza
Transmission occurs most often through the air, but can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces. When patients cough, talk or sneeze, they shed the virus, which can remain active for hours in cold environments with little humidity. for this, Transmission increases in closed spaces with dense crowds.
Symptoms usually appear within a week of infection., Sudden.The most common are: fever, body aches, sneezing, chills, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, headache, and lack of energy
pneumonia
Just like the flu, it is Acute lung infection that can be caused by bacteria or viruses In most circumstances. Often, part of the diagnosis involves a chest X-ray to look at the condition of the lungs.
Generally, this is a benign process, but occasionally it can develop into a serious disease. Most patients can be treated on an outpatient basis.among hospitalized patients, a small percentage may require intensive care.
The most common symptoms are: cough, fever, difficulty breathing, headache, loss of appetite and low energy.
common cold
The common cold is caused by different viruses Its natural evolution is toward healing, which may take more than a week. Initial symptoms that appear after an incubation period of two to five days include: nasal congestion, throat irritation, fever, coughing, and sneezing.
pneumococcal infection
Pneumococci are bacteria that cause serious infections. In addition to other manifestations such as otitis media, sinusitis or bronchitis, diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis or bacteremia are considered public health problems worldwide.
The bacteria are spread through direct contact with the respiratory secretions of a carrier; After exposure to pneumococci, transient colonization of the nasopharynx occurs with subsequent spread to the lower respiratory tract.
To prevent this disease, get vaccinated at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. and booster shots between 12 and 15 months. People over 65 get a shot every 5 years.