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Given the increase in seasonal virus cases (expected for this time of year) it is important to keep in mind the warning signs to know when to go to an on-callor, when it is advisable to wait for the disease to self-limit.
“In the last four weeks, as reported by the Ministry of Health of the Nation, the circulation of the influenza virus, especially AH3N2, which is the expected seasonal influenza virus. On a smaller scale, many cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were recorded, especially in children (although it also affects adults and older adults) and, with a lower incidence, cases of SARS-CoV-2, a virus of the coronavirus family,” he summarizes in dialogue with THE NATIONMónica Foccoli, Head of the Infectious Diseases Division of the Hospital de Clínicas.
Regarding the diseases that these viruses can cause, it indicates that “the most common thing is that they occur in mild, self-limited forms, and many times they are not even consulted due to the rapid evolution.”
At the same time, he emphasizes that Vaccination is essential to avoid complicationsespecially in the at-risk population, which are those under one year of age, those over 65, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.
What do viruses in greater circulation cause? In general terms, banal symptoms such as a simple cold, flu-like symptoms that include the presence of fever, general malaise, muscle and joint pain with a sore throat, especially when swallowing. In boys, episodes of diarrhea can be added.
THE NATION consulted with different specialists to confirm which are the main symptoms that should alert us to make a medical consultation and they agree that these are the warning signs to take into account.
Bronchiolitis can begin with a cold and a cold. But When babies show an inability to suck, both the breast and the bottle, or have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, they must go to a nursing home as quickly as possible since they may be suffering from a lack of oxygen..
“We must also know that 90 percent of bronchiolitis cases are mild and require outpatient follow-up, less than 10 percent end up hospitalized and of that percentage, only 3 percent require an intensive care unit,” points out Carlos Velasco, doctor at the Children’s Pulmonology service of the Hospital de Clínicas.
“The influenza virus causes flu-like syndrome in adults; Meanwhile, in babies and children under one year old it can cause bronchiolitis. Simultaneously, cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) began to appear in pediatric patients, causing an increase in cases of bronchiolitis in infants,” adds Velasco.
And he analyzes: “The influenza virus is at a fairly high peak. In the last two weeks and compared to the previous year, cases of influenza viruses have increased in particular and we believe that this is due, among other factors, to the early temperature drop”.
As the main prevention measures in children, Velasco indicates reinforce breastfeeding in babies next to complete vaccination schedule to improve immunity. “At the same time, we must insist on not smoking in the homes since the environment with cigarette smoke increases the possibility of having bronchiolitis and more severe disease six times.”
Meanwhile, in the adult population, Analía Mykietiuk, president of the Argentine Society of Infectious Diseases (SADI), recommends that if you go to a guard with respiratory symptoms that “you always wear a mask to avoid infecting other people with our respiratory viruses.”
Among the basic prevention measures, remember that it is important to “keep the environments ventilated, avoid going to work sick, use a mask before entering a hospital and wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with the fold.” of the elbow or with a disposable handkerchief to avoid the transmission of pathogens through saliva droplets.”
Likewise, he highlights that having vaccination up to date is essential: “Although there are cases of flu circulating, vaccination is still effective and necessary. Currently, Covid vaccines, the flu vaccine and the Pneumococcus vaccine are available free of charge. The RSV vaccine is also available for pregnant women.”
Finally, Mykietiuk warns: “A common error that we observe is counting the doses available of the Covid vaccine. The important thing is to be vaccinated in the last year beyond the number of doses applied, and in the case of people over 65 years of age or in the at-risk population (people with chronic diseases) it is important to give the vaccine every 6 months.
