Chronically ill people and the elderly are more susceptible to respiratory viruses

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he flu virus, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus This past fall and winter, RSV (RSV) caused the emergence of respiratory illnesses and exacerbations or crises of other conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.. in the populationmost vulnerable“These viruses include older people and people with “immune deficiencies, People with chronic disease, kidney disease, liver disease, chronic heart disease and diabetes“Waiting. This is the deputy director of the Pulmonary Department of Jimenez Díaz Foundation University Hospital, Dr. Felipe Villar Alvarezduring the Tripledemia Expert Table: What is it, who does it affect, and what can we do about it?Co-sponsored health management and GSK.

for Dr. Anna Martin Langa, Family doctors at the Arroyo de la Vega Health Center said children under five are also among the most vulnerable. “lung They don’t complete development until they are eight years old, and during the first two years of life, more alveoli form. This is why children are less defenseless against RSV and more susceptible to bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.”, assures Dr. Martin Langa.

Dr. Villar Alvarez: ““The phenomenon of immunosenescence results in a reduced ability of the immune system to respond to infection.”

Beginning around age 50, this phenomenon is known as Immunosenescence, which involves the aging of our immune system and its gradual decline in function, reducing our body’s ability to mount a defensive response against certain pathogens and therefore suffering more infections, including respiratory infections. According to Dr. Villar Álvarez, throughout life, “The phenomenon of immunosenescence results in a reduced ability of the immune system to respond to infection. “The virus takes advantage of an immune deficiency situation that occurs in the body.”

This is one of the great challenges that the National Health System (SNS) has faced since its inception Spain’s population is aging Therefore, the number of patients with chronic diseases and multiple pathologies is higher. “Clearly, the next health challenge to make our system more efficient involves the health of these three categories of patients.Vaccination is one of the best tools we have to avoid respiratory infections in these patients”, explains the pulmonologist.

Dr. Iván Sanz Muñoz: “There are groups in Spain that have long been investigating infant mortality from influenza viruses, but getting the data has been difficult. “

The Importance of Vaccination in the Childhood Population

The child population has been RSV susceptible populations. However, when it comes to influenza, Spain has no record of the number of children who have died from this respiratory virus. An estimated 12 children die each year, and about 200 children die each flu season in the United States, according to the expert panel.

“A lot of times we’re tearing our clothes apart from diseases that have very similar mortality rates to those below the icebergs, and we don’t see that with influenza. There are groups in Spain that have been investigating this for a long time. Child mortality due to the virus, but these data are very difficult to obtain and are not well reflected by the National Institute of Statistics (INE). emphasize Dr. Ivan Sanz Muñoz, Responsible for the National Influenza Center in Valladolid.

Serological studies show that 95% of children have been exposed to the influenza virus for the first time within the first two years of life.

he Lifetime Vaccination Plan The Interregional Committee on National Health Systems approved the plan for 2023, which for the first time includes recommendations for influenza vaccination for children aged 23-24 years and 6 to 59 months old. Despite this advice, society’s perception of influenza’It doesn’t seem like it will kill children.

“, reporting in progress”Failure to achieve optimal goals set by public health“, as stated Julia Ruiz Redondo, Nurse Inspector of the Health Service of Castilla-La Mancha (Sescam) and former Coordinator of the Regional Immunization Advisory Group of Castilla-La Mancha.

Serological studies now show that 95% of children have been exposed to influenza viruses for the first time in the first two years of life, highlighting the importance of protecting children in the first years of life. Avoid possible complications.