“We must pay attention to the possible increase in the number of corona cases in the province of Jujuy”

September 1, 2023 – 07:36
Instead of self-medicating, they recommend using a chin strap when developing respiratory symptoms and completing a vaccination schedule.

Given the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases found nationwide, reaching 150%, in Jujuy, they urge the resumption of precautionary measures as they face the possibility of “an eventual increase in cases”, which may be due to the entry into quarantine caused by the area. The country of the new Eris variant.

“We don’t know if Eris is responsible for the increase in cases. It’s still speculation, but it seems to me that cases in Argentina have doubled in the last month as this is already happening around the world,” the doctor said . Gustavo Echenique, epidemiologist and dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Jujuy.

The expert emphasized that in the province of Jujuy in August, “an increase in the number of consultations to detect respiratory symptoms, influenza-like illnesses and influenza-like illnesses that are currently uncommon, is a sign of a trend that we must be very concerned about with regard to Covid-19 A possible increase in cases, given that we are dealing with a highly contagious but lower risk subvariant.”

Asked whether the province of Jujuy had statistics showing the current behavior of Covid-19 case series, he said that information was expected to be provided, but that some patients could be induced to avoid it by showing less severe respiratory symptoms. detection, which means false negatives. Therefore, in the face of these cases, experts say, now more than ever “it is necessary to recommend testing of patients with compatible symptoms, as this will have a significant impact on notification and will help to develop a more reliable Method. Number of cases. “This may be in the province”.

Eris, a subvariant notified in Europe a few months ago that has since spread to 52 countries, is characterized by the ability to store mutations from other variants that make it highly contagious and able to evade the antibodies of vaccinators and recipients . Have been infected with Covid-19. However, in order not to cause panic in the community, epidemiologists clarified that although the condition makes it highly contagious, it is considered low risk. “This does not mean that those infected could develop a potentially serious condition, which information so far suggests is low,” he said.

Gustavo Echenique emphasized that with the emergence of the new subvariant, the number of cases worldwide increased by 63%, with about 2,500 deaths per month, while in Argentina the number of cases doubled to 150% in 30 days. The importance of paying attention to symptoms, using a mask when you have respiratory symptoms, seeing your doctor early, and not self-medicating.

“These symptoms are very similar to flu-like symptoms. The specificity of the Eris subtype is that it produces more severe pharyngeal involvement or sore throat than other subtypes, with possible symptoms of laryngitis and dysphonia. Fever can be present in varying degrees and sometimes without symptoms of fever. “Presence, able to increase the change in smell”, informs the infection specialist, while detailing the steps and recommendations to follow when symptoms appear.

Masks are recommended for symptomatic people to cut the chain of transmission of viral illnesses that can develop into flu, flu-like symptoms, pharyngitis, bronchitis, sinusitis or coronavirus, hence the importance of early consultation, he said doctor.

He also recommends avoiding self-medication, as doctors will base their possible diagnoses on the patient’s questioning and physical examination.

He concluded by emphasizing “watch out for symptoms, don’t panic because although we are dealing with a highly contagious variant, the risk is low. Use masks, don’t self-medicate and complete the vaccination schedule” and reinforcements”.

Vaccinations are free and available at all vaccination centers

Regarding Covid-19 vaccination, epidemiologist Gustavo Echenique recommends using existing vaccines to complete the program. It should be remembered that, unlike monovalent vaccines, bivalent vaccines contain two strains: the Wuhan strain (original) and the Omicron strain. Both from Pfizer Biontech and Moderna are strong candidates for inclusion in the program because they are messenger RNA vaccines that can be modified for variants that spread over time.

Gustavo Echenik

They recalled from the provincial government that vaccinations are free and take place in all Jujuy vaccination centers on a spontaneous demand basis. They also reported that groups at high risk of developing severe forms of infection (people over 50, immunocompromised people, and pregnant women) received booster doses within 6 months of the last dose, regardless of dose. Previously treated and adherence to a minimum interval of at least 4 months from the last dose Persons under 50 years of age with comorbidities (chronic disease and obesity) and groups at risk of higher exposure (health personnel) and strategic role reinforcement corresponding to the distance Last dose administered 6 months after last dose, followed by annual boosters. People considered to be at low risk of complications, that is, those under the age of 50 without comorbidities, receive a booster dose once a year.

Test: enable point

Taking into account the epidemiological context of the country, the Ministry of Health of the province also emphasizes that, in the presence of compatible symptoms, Jujeños must consult the Center for Counseling, Diagnosis and Follow-up of Covid-19 patients in the capital and in-house, based on the evaluation of a specific form, Take a quick test and give directions accordingly. In San Salvador de Jujuy, they detail, patients can go to the new bus terminal located on the southern corridor, Monday to Friday from 7 am to 15 pm, and Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm, as well as to the CIC on Avenida Marina Vilte Chorcán corner of the “Copacabana” Alto Comedero neighbourhood, open Monday to Friday from 7am to 3pm and Saturday from 8am to 12noon.

Another Covid testing location is the Jujuy Insurance Institute (ISJ) San Pedrito Representative Office at 914 Avenida Almirante Brown No. 914, which is open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Finally, the “Alberdi” node” 2190 Avenida Sucre, Monday to Friday from 7 am to 15 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. For those in the province, you can go to the hospital closest to your home, especially to the laboratory Finally, he reported that, according to the current protocol, if the result is positive, the person is placed in a preventive quarantine for 5 days from the date of onset of symptoms.