During the first half of the year, Missions record 2,606 notifications for respiratory infections, mostly attributable to influenzaaccording to data from the provincial Ministry of Public Health. The places where the highest number of cases were recorded were Posadas, with 1,914 cases, followed by Apóstoles with 95, Garupá with 81, Eldorado with 80, Puerto Iguazú with 74 and Leandro N. Alem with 36. However, with vaccination campaigns, availability of free medication and a solid health infrastructurethe province continues to face this condition, typical of the season.
In order to deploy an adequate health operation, first of all, Misiones analyzed the provincial epidemiological reportcertified by the director of Epidemiology, Eduardo Ramírez. According to the data in the report, 94.2% of positive cases of influenza were infected on an outpatient basis, while another 5.8% had to be hospitalized.
In turn, of the confirmed cases only 10.4% had previously been vaccinated against flu; while, of the patients who required hospitalization, 3. 4% had flu vaccination and only the 17% was vaccinated against Covid-19. After analyzing this data, The province of Misiones decided to promote flu vaccination campaigns in the 78 municipalities: The doses were available free of charge for risk groups, both in Primary Health Care Centers (CAPS) and in public hospitals.
On the other hand, in addition to the flu vaccine, in the public health system also The medication indicated by protocol was made available to patients hospitalized for influenza A: oseltamivir. It is an antiviral recommended for patients in general, both those who need to be admitted and those who do not require hospitalization.
It should be noted that, to ensure equitable access to health, Misiones has been investing in a public health system that offers medical services and medicines at zero cost to patients.: These values are absorbed by the State, which contributes to the economy of missionary families and their well-being. It is important to clarify that this care is provided at all levels of complexity and for various needs, since it is a public policy whose central objective is to provide comprehensive coverage to each citizen.
In it Dr. Ramón Madariaga School HospitalFor example, medicines are provided through the Pharmacy Service, which operates 24 hours a day, all year round. It not only serves inpatients, validating around 300 prescriptions daily, but also ensures the timely stock and quality of the medicines needed for surgical procedures and outpatient consultations.
What is the influenza virus
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory disease that occurs with a clear seasonal trend. It tends to be more common during the cold months, from late fall to early spring, as the virus survives best in low humidity and temperature conditions. According to the provincial epidemiological report, to date, the maximum peak reached was in June.
On the other hand, it must be taken into account that, during winter, people tend to spend more time indoors and in close contact, which facilitates its transmission. This pattern allows health systems to anticipate and prepare for spikes, implementing annual vaccination campaigns and other preventive measures.
