Health Secretary gives advice to avoid respiratory illness

Mexico City, November 28, 2023.

arriveIn view of the increase in cases of respiratory diseases during winter, the Union Health Ministry has issued a series of recommendations to avoid contracting any of these diseases.

The National Epidemiological Surveillance Committee warned last week of an increase in the spread of respiratory viruses in the country, particularly respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among children under 10 years old.

RSV causes mild cold or flu-like symptoms but can also lead to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalization of infants.

To prevent respiratory infections, the Ministry of Health recommends:

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based solution.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inner corner of your arm when you cough or sneeze.

Clean surfaces and commonly used objects.

Ventilate enclosed spaces to allow air circulation and sunlight to enter.

If you are in a high-risk group, get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

If you have a respiratory infection, wear a mask, self-isolate at home, and do not self-medicate.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following alarm symptoms: persistent fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing (ribs are evident when the baby breathes, or the nose vibrates with exertion); drowsiness or extreme fatigue, or if using an oximeter, saturation levels below 90% .

Children below 5 years of age are also encouraged to get the influenza vaccine, while those above 60 years, pregnant women and people with comorbidities are asked to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Information from: