Wednesday 12.6.2024
/
Last update 10:49
In recent weeks, a worrying increase in cases of Influenza A has been observed. Pulmonologist Martín Maillo, in an interview with CyD Litoral, offered a detailed overview of the current situation, describing the symptoms, risk groups and necessary preventive measures. to control this new wave of infections.
Increase in cases and symptoms
The professional highlighted that in the last three to four weeks, there has been a significant increase in respiratory infections. This increase affected both children and older adults, who attended medical consultations in greater numbers due to flu-like symptoms. Patients present strong symptoms, with high fever that lasts between two and three days, accompanied by marked weakness, intense cough and itchy eyes.
“In the last three weeks, when we began to perform swabs to identify the disease, we discovered that many of these cases correspond to influenza A,” Maillo explained. This discovery surprised doctors, as it was initially thought that it could be Covid-19 or other viral infections.
Patients present strong symptoms, with high fever that lasts between two and three days, accompanied by marked weakness, intense cough and itchy eyes.
Impact on the health system
The identification of these Influenza A cases had a considerable impact on medical wards, which saw an increase in the number of patients seeking care. “Today, the majority of the cases that we have detected and tested correspond to influenza A, the same one that caused great problems during the 2009 pandemic,” Maillo said.
However, the specialist also highlighted that, thanks to flu vaccination campaigns, the impact of this disease is currently much lower. “Although we do not expect major complications, we are seeing a saturation in medical consultations due to the increase in cases,” he added.
Risk groups and complications
The pulmonologist emphasized the importance of paying attention to risk groups, who are more likely to develop serious complications such as viral pneumonia. These groups include pregnant women, young children, the elderly (over 65 years of age) and people with diseases that affect the immune system, such as those on corticosteroid treatment, patients with autoimmune diseases, diabetics, especially those who require insulin, and people with significant respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
“These groups have a higher risk of developing viral pneumonia if they become infected with the Influenza A virus, which can increase morbidity and mortality in these patients,” Maillo explained. The ability of Influenza A to cause viral pneumonia more frequently is a characteristic that makes it particularly dangerous for these individuals.
Annual vaccination remains the most effective strategy to protect risk groups and reduce the incidence of severe cases
Precautionary measures
Given the current situation, the professional stressed the importance of preventive measures to control the spread of the disease. Annual vaccination remains the most effective strategy to protect risk groups and reduce the incidence of severe cases. “It is crucial that people in these vulnerable groups are vaccinated every year,” insisted the pulmonologist.
In addition to vaccination, Maillo recommended following basic hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people. These measures not only help prevent Influenza A, but also other respiratory infections.
