one of the great novelties Vaccination campaign 2023/2024 Ways to fight the flu and covid-19 include Smokers are a dangerous group It is recommended that people get the flu vaccine. so that, start in decembercoinciding with the fourth phase of vaccination, a smoker from Malaga18 years and over You will be able to request an appointment to receive a flu shot.
it is first Andalusia’s military junta has decided to target smokers They recommend getting a flu shot, And they can be vaccinated at the same time as those who live with someone over 60 or someone who is at high risk, depending on vaccine availability, as shown in the “Flu Vaccination Instructions” document. covid-19, Andalusia 2023-2024′, from Health Advisory.
Increased risk of complications
The decision was made to include smokers in vaccination recommendations because they have Risk of greater complications from influenza. Alvaro MartinezA pulmonary specialist at the Santa Fe Victoria University Hospital in Málaga who is in charge of counseling on smoking cessation considers this a “great” measure because smokers have already quit. More probabilities The condition worsened, so “more must be done” antibiotic year round, do Multiple trips to the emergency roomis recognized, and, we hope, at least in the case, death toll».The reason for these possible complications is that tobacco irritates the bronchial epithelium, the “skin on the inside of the bronchial tubes,” making them more susceptible to infectionaccording to Martinez’s explanation.
Flu and covid-19 vaccinations begin for people over 70
another benefit Experts say the aim of the measure is that the vaccine will protect not only people who only smoke, but all smokers. underdiagnosed patients They are suffering from other tobacco-related illnesses without knowing it. “These smokers, in many cases, Respiratory and non-respiratory diseases due to tobacco Being undiagnosed because they haven’t gone to a health center or been tested makes them even more vulnerable. ” said the pulmonologist. He noted that if they had known about these other conditions, they would have been included in some Previous risk criteria.
undiagnosed disease
“A 40-year-old who has been smoking since he was 15 can live a more or less normal life and maybe he chokes a little more than necessary but he doesn’t realize it because he hasn’t been tested due to Tobacco, you can develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic disease that Makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections» Martinez explained, stressing that by including smokers in the flu vaccine, these characteristics also include people who are more likely to become sick without knowing it.
In this sense, experts believe that including smokers Special patient subgroups (as well as people with diabetes or chronic illness), it can be Chance so that aware Smoking is now a recognized disease and they are encouraged to try to quit smoking.
The clinic helps more than 500 people quit smoking each year
Vaccines are not mandatory but recommended
It’s worth remembering Vaccination is not compulsory; But optional, although pulmonologists and authorities strongly encourage all Target population is immune. According to the committee, smoking is considered “People who smoke at least one cigarette a day».As far as doctors are concerned Martinez Emphasis on “A smoker is someone who smokes. We will discuss whether he is a social smoker or another type of smoker. But anyone who has this habit is a smoker.”
The Ministry of Health anticipates that this measure Help reduce cases of respiratory illness from the annual flu Hospital admission. “The goal is to prevent smokers from having bad times and possible complications because smokers may feel worse when they have the flu,” the pulmonologist stressed. This group generally remains among those required to be vaccinated influenza.
Increase in hospitalizations
«Significant increase in enrollment every year in pulmonology due to influenza.last year we had 99 beds are occupied winter due to respiratory diseases,” warns the expert from the clinical hospital, who stresses the importance of requiring vaccinated people, including smokers, to be vaccinated protect yourself and avoid complications that could lead to hospitalization.
Board launches high-frequency plan to avoid overloading system
To reduce the impact of infections during autumn and winter, the Ministry of Health has launched 2023-2024 High Frequency Plan, for avoid overloading health systems during influenza and Covid-19 seasons and resolve in a coordinated manner Expect greater needs and an increase in the complexity of patients receiving assistance during the fall and winter months.