October marks the start of the 2023-2024 flu season in Mexico, and with it, Nationwide vaccination campaign launched to protect people from unpredictable virus In severe cases, hospitalization and death can result.
It must be emphasized that The flu is not just the flu; Worldwide, more than 650,000 people die each year. Last season Mexico experienced one of its most significant rebounds since the 2009 pandemic, with more than 9,000 confirmed cases.
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According to the Viral Respiratory Disease Epidemiological Surveillance System report, as of the 51st week of 2022, 6,420 cases of influenza-type illness (ETI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were registered. There were 72 confirmed cases of influenza and 2 deaths.
Influenza viruses are highly variable and have the ability to evolve rapidly. Various strains can spread during a single flu season, which runs from October to March. This becomes evident during the seasonal changes, where the predominant strain changes from influenza A B to H1N1, and cases of H3N2 have been reported in recent weeks.
Sonora, Chihuahua and other states (2 confirmed cases) and Coahuila (no cases until epidemiological week 42), the predominant strain is A (H1N1) Prevalence is 63%, with influenza B accounting for 30% of cases.
Experts stress that the groups most vulnerable to the virus include adults over 60, children under 5, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. These groups are the most vulnerable and should seek vaccination at health centers to ensure their protection.
Vaccination is the primary defense against influenza viruses. Although it does not prevent infection, it can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious complications. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in older adults by 41% People with diabetes have a 24% increased risk of hospitalization from the flu, and people with diabetes are six times more likely to be hospitalized with the flu.
also, The infection rate in pregnant women can be reduced by up to 50%, and the infection rate in children over 2 months old can be reduced by 70%.
For the 2023-2024 season, it has been announced Influenza vaccination in the public sector will be quadrivalent for the first time. This means it will provide greater protection by containing four strains of the virus instead of the three strains of previous seasons.
Importantly, this season marks the first time there has been no health emergency since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared over.Although COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to spread simultaneously, The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said that if the flu behaves similarly to the southern hemisphere, it would expect greater spread in Mexico and other parts of the northern hemisphere.
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It is imperative that people follow the advice of health authorities and get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and effective and can be safely given at the same time as other vaccines, such as COVID-19.
Flu vaccinations are free and can be given at public health centres, with priority given to high-risk groups. Community protection is critical in the fight against influenza, and vaccines are an important tool in achieving this goal.
Coahuila state begins flu vaccination campaign this week The goal this winter is to administer 850,000 doses of vaccine. “Our goal is to complete it by the end of March. Currently, we have received about 28,000 doses of the vaccine in the first part,” said Health Minister Roberto Bernal Gómez.