A vaccination campaign has begun, with children among the target groups. For this reason, we spoke to Antonio Alcoba, a pediatrician who works at the Melilla Regional Hospital. Alcobar spoke about at-risk groups and noted that information about vaccinations is crucial for parents to get their children vaccinated.
– Viral diseases are diseases that are spread through the air. As parents, how can we prevent viral diseases in our children?
-We have learned from this pandemic that by taking certain measures, infections can be reduced. Avoid going to crowded places, wash your hands frequently, and change clothes after returning from school. These are measures or precautions that we have taken during the pandemic and have proven to be of great help in preventing infection.
-Vaccine refers to any preparation whose function is to produce immunity in the body against a disease (in this case, influenza). A harmless way to induce an immune response without causing disease. What’s new this year is funding for vaccinations for at-risk infants and children.
– Influenza vaccination at six months to six years is currently funded and provided by the nearest health centre. This is to reduce the risk to the most vulnerable, who in turn are vectors for the spread of the virus. Children over six with chronic conditions such as heart disease, asthma or Down syndrome will also receive free services. These measures are aimed at cutting off vectors of transmission for high-risk groups. All children of designated ages will be required to provide a flu shot. Since the database sometimes makes errors, I encourage parents who have not yet received a call to contact their health center for the appropriate information. No parent who wants to vaccinate their children should not refrain from doing so.
-In fact, vaccines are given during childhood to protect children from serious and even fatal diseases. I also hope that the child is already immune from the mother’s womb…
-Pregnant women will also receive whooping cough and influenza vaccines to provide immunity to their children for the first six months of life.
– Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in children, toddlers and infants. It causes irritation, swelling, and mucus buildup in the small passages in the lungs. It occurs in winter and early spring. Can a vaccination program prevent this disease?
-Yes, this respiratory infection usually affects children under two years old. To prevent this, people born between April 1 and September 30 are given monoclonal antibody (Nirsevimab) injections as soon as they are born, from early October to May. It will also be given to children under two years old with dangerous medical conditions and to premature infants (35 weeks gestation).
-Vaccinating your child is always a free decision…
-That’s true, but I personally think the benefit is that we have to get vaccinated, a lot of lives can be saved and a lot of benefits can be gained. If parents don’t understand what vaccines do or have questions about their usefulness, they can talk to their pediatrician. I think parents should stick to the annual vaccination schedule. I have spoken with parents who were skeptical about the effectiveness of vaccines and have seen them change their minds after receiving appropriate information. It’s all about getting information.
-What positive habits can we keep after the epidemic is over?
-The Japanese already use masks, which is unusual in our culture. It continues to be used in hospitals and hospital centers after the pandemic and is easy to carry in crowded transportation with poor ventilation. Washing hands and sanitizing is a practice that hasn’t gone away in many places post-pandemic, and I think it’s very convenient. Hygiene is very effective in preventing the spread of viruses.
-What should be the diet of children so that they can be healthy and strong and less likely to get sick?
-Children who regularly participate in sports and outdoor activities have better immune systems. That is why physical activity is recommended for children. The diet must be balanced and diverse; fruits, beans, eggs, fish… in short, protein foods containing vitamins and minerals. I highly recommend not abusing dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) and eating more fruits, and those fruits can be eaten with the skin on if possible.
-Dr Alcobar, The most common allergies in Melilla are…
– Living in coastal areas with high humidity. In Melilla, allergies to dust mites are common and manifest as persistent mucus. People who are allergic to it may sneeze and have a runny nose. Watery eyes and itchy mouth, nose, or throat. These mites are found in carpets, sofas, pillows, mattresses… This is an excellent microhabitat for mites because they retain a lot of moisture and provide them with the three factors they need for optimal development: heat, humidity and food (human skin scales)).