Oaxaca health authorities issue alert over nearly 400 deaths from pneumonia

Oaxaca, Oaxaca. (apro).- At least 391 people have died from pneumonia so far this year, mostly children and the elderly, as well as people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, and lung disease. (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the Oaxaca State Department of Health Services confirmed.

Filiberto Cruz Vicente, a pulmonologist assigned to the Civil Hospital “Aurelio Valdivieso”, also acknowledged that although the winter phase has just begun, Oaxaca has already recorded 809 cases of pneumonia and 391 unfortunate deaths.

In the framework of this year’s commemoration of World Pneumonia Day on November 12, the Oaxaca State Health Service (SSO) advises the population to get vaccinated and to visit the health department in case of cough, sputum, fever and pain.

Cruz Vicente explains that this pathology is an infection caused by microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and fungi in the lower respiratory tract, such as the lungs.

The expert noted that long-term exposure to tobacco smoke also affects the incidence, severity and evolution of a variety of other respiratory diseases, such as the common cold, influenza, tuberculosis, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, some interstitial diseases and covid-19.

He mentioned that pneumonia occurs more frequently in winter and is spread through direct contact with infected people and through small droplets expelled when the patient sneezes or coughs. Of course, it can also be spread through the respiratory tract, nose and throat. Reach the lungs and cause infection.

He recommends getting vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal and whooping cough, washing your hands with soap and water after coming into contact with sick people, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, eating healthily and drinking plenty of fluids. .

Therefore, he called on the public to seek medical treatment in a timely manner if symptoms such as cough, sputum production, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, etc. occur, because pathology can lead to death if not treated in time.

He also recommends paying close attention to the elderly and children during infectious processes such as influenza or pharyngitis, as influenza may be complicated by pneumonia.

Finally, he urged people to avoid self-medication to avoid developing antibiotic resistance and confusing some serious symptoms.