Meeting at the ministry for the vaccine issue – New meeting between the representatives of the Ministry of Health and Fofi, Federfarma and Assofarm to discuss the availability of flu vaccines in community pharmacies. Representatives of pharmacists and pharmacies naturally agreed on the need to ensure the maximum possible coverage against seasonal flu for categories at risk – children, the elderly and the chronically ill. They also reiterated the importance of being able to guarantee similar coverage to the active population to limit the circulation of the flu virus: people who go to work every day, use public transport and have a more intense relationship life. It is certainly a positive fact that the Regions have decided to allocate a portion of vaccines to pharmacies, but the expected quantity – about 250 thousand doses – is absolutely insufficient to achieve this goal, especially this year, when a significant increase is expected. of demand, which could reach 1.5 million doses compared to an average of around one million. The Ministry, it is explained, has agreed on the correctness of these observations and has activated the necessary channels to find within the next few days a solution that allows to respond to the needs of the population not included in the categories at risk.
Distinguish flu from Covid – However, the ability to distinguish simple seasonal flu from Covid-19 symptoms remains central. “It is not that simple – underlined Pregliasco – although the two viruses are different, the symptoms that characterize seasonal flu and Covid-19 are very similar; the only sure way to make a differential diagnosis is, therefore, that to perform the swab. It is good to remember that the flu with which we deal every year always has the same characteristics: sudden onset of fever over 38 degrees, presence of at least one systemic symptom (muscle / joint pain) and a respiratory symptom (cough, runny nose, nasal congestion / discharge, sore throat). Momentary loss (anosmia) or decreased sense of smell (hyposmia), loss (ageusia) or altered taste (dysgeusia), are instead, typical of Covid-19 and not related to seasonal flu. Attention also to children: if we witness the occurrence of a single respiratory symptom, it is likely that we are facing seasonal ailments; if, on the other hand, more of one cont temporarily, it is good to make further investigations “.
But what are the best behaviors to follow? – If the flu that awaits us will not in fact be dissimilar from the one we usually encounter this season, what changes is the attitude of Italians in the event of flu symptoms: as revealed by the Assosalute research, in fact, if in 2019 55% of the interviewees stated that the first behavior, in case of fever, would have been to stay at home, rest and take over-the-counter drugs, today only 37.1% confirms this, in fact, those who will immediately consult an opinion increase 34.5% of the general practitioner, compared to 12.3% in 2019. So in case of fever, what to do? “In principle always valid
responsible self-medication – replied Pregliasco – this year adds responsible behavior. Stay at home if symptoms occur and isolate yourself from others, do not go to the emergency room or medical offices but call the family doctor, the emergency medical service or the regional or public utility toll-free numbers 1500 on the phone. The classic advice remains valid. such as: avoiding sudden changes in temperature, prefer a correct diet and try not to tire the immune system too much, maintaining, for example, a healthy intestinal flora with the help of probiotics “.
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