Mexican RSV: Prevention to protect health

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that causes mild symptoms similar to the common cold but can seriously affect infants and young children (especially under one year old), adults over 65 years of age, and people with certain medical conditions people. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the situation and for authorities to conduct information campaigns to prevent infection.

This winter, expect an increase in not only RSV cases, but also influenza and Covid-19 cases. Fortunately, these viruses spread the same way, primarily through the air, so we can use the same practices to fight contagion. In fact, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have realized that by wearing masks, we not only reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19, but also reduce the risk of contracting influenza and RSV. So we need to get the masks out again and encourage their use.

The above is very important, and we must take preventive measures seriously. Recently, Chile has had a serious problem with RSV, with hospitals affected by a high number of cases among children. In Mexico, we cannot allow problems like those experienced in Chile to exist. Dr. Alejandro Canul, chairman of the Department of Developmental Neurobiology at the National Institute of Perinatal Research, told me that he began treating RSV cases in the second half of October and that he had seen a significant increase in the condition among his patients. The first half of November, especially for children in kindergarten.

One reason may be because mask use is not mandatory in all schools and children at this stage are in close physical contact with friends, which may encourage infection in this age group. Unfortunately, we cannot have much impact on children who have less physical contact, but the use of masks should be mandatory for students and school staff. Likewise, as we have recommended many times, schools should have air purifiers and keep windows open to avoid or reduce the accumulation of viruses in indoor air.

In general, to protect the population and avoid infecting ourselves and our families or the elderly at home: we must use masks in closed places, such as in hospitals, offices, shops, shopping malls, transportation or public places. For private businesses, they should evaluate ventilation and use air purifiers. Air purifiers are an excellent investment as they help reduce infections among employees and therefore help take care of the health of employees and the finances of the company by avoiding absenteeism and presenteeism at work. In addition, purifying the air can remove some environmental pollutants and help improve employee concentration, productivity and mental health.

Dr. Kanur recommends that if a child develops a cough, especially if he or she has a fever or difficulty breathing, we go or take the child to a doctor. In the same vein, Dr. Ireland Alvarado ((email protected) ), a pediatric pulmonologist in the Department of Respiratory Physiology at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, recommends that pregnant women receive the RSV vaccine during the 32nd and 36th weeks of pregnancy. To protect newborns; If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading it to others; Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow, never your hands; Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds seconds; avoid touching your face without washing your hands; wear a mask, preferably in a well-ventilated area.

In conclusion, in the face of an increase in RSV, it is critical to act quickly and responsibly. By following these recommendations, we can protect the most vulnerable, especially children and the elderly. Indoor air quality isn’t just about comfort, it’s critical to our health and well-being.

Call to action: I call on education authorities and private industry to implement effective preventive measures, such as mandatory use of masks and improved ventilation and air quality in enclosed spaces. To the general public, I urge you to follow respiratory hygiene practices, get vaccinated where appropriate, and realize the importance of looking after each other. If we work together, we can significantly reduce the impact of RSV on our country.

Twitter @MarcoSanchezGu