Guards at the Department of Health for cases of influenza before an active season

With about three times as many cases of influenza Last season (2021-22), the health authorities remain vigilant to the development of this easily contagious respiratory virus in the next two months, when the peak of infections usually occurs.

The southern strip of the country -particularly the municipalities of Sabana Grande, Yauco, Guayama, Arroyo and Yabucoa- have had the highest incidence in the last six months, with the Ponce region being the most affected. However, there are cases reported throughout the island.

From July of last year, when the 2022-23 flu season began, through January 7, 17,334 cases had been reported. That number represents 10,841 more than the 6,493 registered last season. The 635 influenza hospitalizations reported this season, through January 7, also exceed the 484 for the entire previous season.

“What is expected, in January and February, is when we see the most cases (of influenza). It remains to be seen what will happen in the coming weeks.”said Dr. Melissa Marzán, principal officer of Epidemiology of the Health Department.

According to the epidemiologist, this season there was an increase in cases much earlier than usual. For this reason, she explained, by the end of November and the beginning of December, the situation was evaluated to see if there was an epidemic scenario. However, over the last five weeks cases have started to decline, although the outbreak category still remains island-wide.

“Since the increase started so early, in September, the numbers may be falling”, indicated. But he stressed that, even so, they remain vigilant.

The main recommendation to prevent the spread of this virus that infects the nose, throat and, in some cases, the lungs, is vaccination, Marzán reiterated.

According to Dr. Ángel Rivera, director of the Salud vaccination program, as of Monday, 378,825 doses of the influenza vaccine had been administered this season. This, he pointed out, is more than what is usually achieved in other years.

“Vaccination continues and more than other years. They are looking for her more, but there is a long way to go”he said, mentioning that vulnerable populations, such as diabetics, renal patients, and immunocompromised patients, are often at higher risk of complications.

“We continue educating and reinforcing the pediatric part, which is the furthest behind,” added Rivera.

Meanwhile, Marzán warned that the pediatric population has been the most affected this season. Most cases are in children between 5 and 9 years of age.