The Importance of Hand Washing in Preventing Rotavirus and Respiratory Diseases

Frequent and correct hand washing is one of the most effective measures to prevent infectious diseases, such as diarrhea caused by rotavirus, and respiratory diseases, caused by viruses such as influenza.

The intense circulation of various viruses during this rainy season includes one that causes severe diarrhea, especially in children: rotavirus. Given the increase in cases of this disease, the Ministry of Health calls on parents to keep the vaccination schedule up to date.

The rotavirus vaccine consists of two doses: the first is administered at two months of life and the second at four months, according to the Ministry of Health.

Rotavirus is characterized by causing vomiting and diarrhea for a period of three to eight days. In addition, there is fever and stomach pain. There may also be loss of appetite and dehydration. The incubation period for rotavirus disease is approximately two days.

This disease is more common among babies and young children, Salud reported. Its main mode of transmission is anus-hand-mouth by direct contact between infected people.

In addition to the vaccine, the Ministry of Health emphasizes the need to incorporate basic practices into the daily routine, such as frequent and proper hand washing, as well as making sure to wash food, such as fruits and vegetables, before consuming it.

READ MORE: Take care of your children: rotavirus diarrhea entered high season

In the event that children present the symptoms mentioned above, it is recommended to take them to the health centers.

The basic measures recommended by the National Children’s Hospital include the following:

Hand washing. Avoid the presence of insects, such as flies. Consume fresh and clean food, hygienically prepared. Maintain breastfeeding. Keep the vaccination schedule up to date.

At the end of May 2016, the National Vaccination and Epidemiology Commission (CNVE) of the Ministry of Health approved a study that demonstrated the economic benefits of including the rotavirus vaccine in the country’s vaccination schedule.

According to the results of this investigation, which covered a period of ten years (2016-2025), vaccination against rotavirus would prevent 142,641 cases of disease, 1,101 hospitalizations and ten deaths in children under five years of age.

The total costs of not vaccinating would exceed $106 million in a decade, while if there is a vaccine, those costs would drop by $35 million in the same period.

Rotavirus causes inflammation of the inner lining of the intestine, which leads to gastroenteritis. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. These effects mainly affect children under the age of two.

Hand washing Hand washing technique (Ángela Ávalos Rodríguez)

2023-07-13 16:46:27
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