“The system must be prepared and the public must help prevent”

The impact of cold on winter epidemics Vaccination is the theme of this Tuesday’s “+ Que Salud” cycle, organized for the second consecutive year by the Official College of Physicians of Zaragoza (COMZ). The issue became a hot topic in early January due to high rates of influenza and respiratory infections, forcing health centers to withdraw masks and even enable double circulation in primary care, recalling measures taken to deal with the coronavirus.

he princess garden The Ibercaja Foundation welcomes the intervention of pulmonologist Salvador Bello and infectious disease specialist José Ramón Paño, who present the main respiratory diseases of winter, such as influenza, covid-19 or respiratory syncytial virus, as well as their symptoms and forms of transmission.

Both emphasized the importance of Vaccination and its effectiveness, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable groups. For Dr. Bello, a practicing pulmonologist who was head of the pulmonary service at Miguel Servet Hospital from 2006 to 2023, it is crucial to maintain a series of habits to avoid the spread of respiratory diseases, such as hand washing, wearing a mask or ventilation of the space.

COVID-19 pandemic downgrades remaining respiratory virusesAlmost disappeared between 2020 and 2023. The influenza epidemic this season appeared at the end of December last year and remained above epidemic levels until the week of February 5. “We have to take into account the importance of vaccination,” he said. In fact, it prevents up to half of all serious illnesses in older adults and may also reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Dr. Panio, a physician in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Clinical Hospital, recalled that influenza epidemics and other respiratory infections “recurred every year,” but “the risk of new infections capable of causing a pandemic is real.” We don’t know when, but expect new pandemics to emerge

. “Rather than ignoring the situation, it is more useful to strengthen diagnostic and surveillance capabilities and prepare health systems.” He concluded: “Systems must be prepared and citizens must contribute by being vaccinated and taking preventive measures.”

Given the prevalence of viruses and other respiratory infections, as he reports: “This happens every year, but we don’t know the exact timing, duration or extent. It must Minimize impact So as not to postpone attention to less urgent but very important processes. “It’s a matter for everyone: get a flu shot and practice basic respiratory hygiene during respiratory virus season.”

COMZ Bikes + Que Salud

The COMZ Health and Environment Committee is responsible for organizing + Que Salud cycle talks with the aim of Raise awareness Educate all people on the importance of taking care of themselves and how to address major health issues.

The second edition of the +Que Salud cycle will continue Three more talks will be held in 2024. Next year on May 7th we will discuss how to control sugar, cholesterol and high blood pressure; on September 24th we will look at the importance of the microbiome and how to improve gut health; on November 26th we will look at preventing and caring for oral health.