On comparing the ISP report for Epidemiological Week No. 18 of the year 2023 with the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Influenza A and B, among other diseases, has been observed.
Two months after the start of the 2023 Influenza Campaign, coverage in Chile reached 53.1%. Although vaccination in Atacama has reached 54.5%, which is higher than the national average, it still falls short of expectations. That’s why the regional health authority calls on the community to get vaccinated, so that as many people as possible can be protected before winter arrives.
In this sense, Jéssica Rojas Gahona, Seremi de Salud, indicated that “it is important that the population is vaccinated against influenza, because winter is coming and this is the time when the prevalence of respiratory diseases increases which mainly Affects girls. , children and older adults. Precisely, this last group presents low coverage at the regional level, reaching only 42.3%. This is why people are urged to visit their nearest Cesfam. We Let’s remember this: If you take care of yourself, we all take care of ourselves.”
Influenza is a serious and contagious respiratory disease, which is spread by coughing, sneezing, or nasal secretions. Complications of this disease can lead to hospitalization and even death. In addition, it can lead to complications of certain diseases such as diabetes, asthma, and heart or lung disease.
Symptoms of this disease include fever, muscle pain, chills and sweating, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness, nasal congestion, sore throat, etc.
To reduce the risk of infection it is important that people wash their hands with soap and water, cover coughs and sneezes, clean all surfaces and maintain physical distancing.
