The Ministry of Health, through the Mycobacteriosis and Respiratory Diseases Programme, urges the general population to practice prevention and treatment actions to avoid respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, particularly in children and the elderly.
The state coordinator of this program, Enrique Reyes Chávez, stressed that it is important to implement preventive measures, including protection with the flu vaccine, which is offered in health centers and especially for children under the age of 5, adults over the age of 60, pregnant or nursing women, and those with another condition or immune deficiency.
It also recommended applying the pneumococcal vaccine in children aged 2, 4 and 12 months and in adults over the age of 65, or with a chronic disease, starting at age 60.
Furthermore, she stressed that it is important for newborns to breastfeed during the first six months, as it helps prevent this type of condition.
As for pneumonia, he said the symptoms that occur are: cough, difficulty breathing, fever and rapid breathing. In turn, children may not be able to eat or drink, as well as show signs of loss of consciousness, hypothermia, and seizures.
He commented that 4,573 cases of pneumonia were reported statewide in 2021, while 3,573 cases were reported in 2022.
Reyes Chávez commented that other actions to prevent respiratory diseases are washing hands, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, covering the mouth and nose with a disposable handkerchief when coughing or sneezing, limiting contact with cigarette smoke and avoid crowded places that do not have adequate ventilation.
Likewise, during this season it is recommended to avoid exposure to sudden changes in temperature and to increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamins A and C.
The state coordinator urged that if you have persistent symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, rapid breathing, wheezing or fever, avoid self-medication and go to your health care unit to provide diagnosis and treatment.
