The incidence of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis and influenza increases significantly at this time of year Because when people tend to spend more time indoors with poor ventilation, viruses and bacteria find environments conducive to spreading. However, there are ways to prevent them with proper hygiene, a complete vaccination program, and proper nutrition.
According to the latest data released by the National Bureau of Statistics Argentine Ministry of Health in the National Epidemiological Bulletin N.661 SE 28 | In 2023, there were 531,596 cases of ILI (influenza-type illness), 89,031 cases of pneumonia, 117,836 cases of bronchiolitis, and 10,131 cases of hospitalized acute respiratory infection (SARI) in children under two years of age. Likewise, it was revealed that among the samples analyzed by rt-PCR, the positive rate of SARS-CoV-2 in the Epidemiological Week (SE) 28/2023 of the Outpatient Surveillance Unit was 9.47%, 16.46% for Influenza and 2.70% for RSV . In addition, 43 people have died from flu diagnoses so far this year.
“We can see that the most common illnesses at this time of year are pneumonia at 40 per cent of positive cases, bronchiolitis at 30 per cent and influenza at 20 per cent. Not only do these diseases pose health risks, but young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems or those with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and immunosuppression may also be further affected. explains Leandro Crisostomo, clinician at Boreal Salud (MP 3850).
In this sense, experts share some advice for preventing seasonal diseases.
- Flu vaccination: Consulting a health professional and getting a flu shot are key strategies to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water, use hand sanitizer, and keep shared spaces clean.
- Balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can strengthen the immune system and increase resistance to disease.
- Adequate ventilation: Keep confined spaces well-ventilated and avoid sudden changes in temperature when entering a hot environment.
- Primary Health Care: Regular visits to your doctor and receiving proper diagnosis, prevention, treatment and recovery are critical to the management of any disease.
“It’s important to be aware of the warning signs, which may indicate a more serious illness than the flu or the common cold.. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop persistent symptoms such as persistent high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, parallel family spread, or gradual deterioration in general condition. These signs may indicate complications that require prompt evaluation and treatment. added the Northern Health doctor.
Protecting yourself during winter is not just something to do during this time, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, good nutrition, regular exercise, staying hydrated and consulting with a health professional over the years is vital. This allows for an adequate diagnosis of any complications and an individualized treatment plan.