Health reiterates the request for vaccination and prevention in the face of an increase in respiratory conditions

The Department of Health reiterated the appeal to the population to maintain preventive measures and get vaccinated in the face of the increase in cases of three respiratory diseases on which surveillance is maintained: influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.

According to Dr Melissa Marzán Rodríguez, head of epidemiology at the Department of Health (DS), at the moment “we are closely monitoring the three diseases, because we have seen them increase”.

Offering details of each of the three conditions, the doctor explained that in the case of influenza, the season runs from July to June each year, but “since mid-September we have seen a trend of increasing cases”.

“This has remained sustained, the increase in cases and, in fact, that is why the situation has been reclassified on alert, because we had passed the threshold, and is now classified as a classified flu outbreak,” he said.

According to the most recent data, he added, 3,868 cases have been identified so far this season; most of them in the age group from 0 to 9 years; most type A influenza; and with the health regions of Ponce and Bayamón-Metro with the highest incidence.

The doctor warned that now the months known as “high season”, where the greatest number of cases of flu are recorded, begin, between December and February-March.

«But we have already passed the alert threshold since September. So we are with more cases than expected. For this, before the arrival of the season, which is usually the high season, for this we are also inviting people to get vaccinated “, she urged.

He assured that the flu vaccine, recommended once a year to everyone aged 6 months and over, is available at vaccination centers, pharmacies and many doctor’s offices, among others, in most of them without the need for an appointment.

“Since we have seen the largest number of cases in the 0 to 9 year old group, we make a special appeal to parents and guardians to go and vaccinate their children against the flu,” he indicated, while reiterating that the vaccine is recommended for. all from six months of age, and even more so for those suffering from chronic diseases.

“Since it’s not peak season yet, what we want to prevent is a worse situation. Fortunately, deaths and hospitalizations can be prevented if people are vaccinated at this time, “she insisted.

As for COVID-19, he said this virus “continues to be an epidemic in Puerto Rico.”

“Right now, on a daily basis, our data reports on average over the past week about 950 cases that are identified daily in Puerto Rico. This keeps us at the high level of community broadcasting. We have also seen a slight increase in hospitalizations in the past two weeks. Mortality, sadly, we continue to report deaths associated with COVID-19 virtually every day. So even if people can say they have completely moved on, it is still a public health situation that requires attention, “said the epidemiologist, also recalling that,” historically, in the last two November, two December, we had plus COVID numbers “.

“We see a pattern there associated with this period. So remind people, mainly those at the highest risk, that would be the groups 65 or older, people with chronic conditions, because COVID overweight and obesity is also a risk factor. So, all those people, (we ask you) to come and get the new bivalent booster released in September. We are also appealing to them to receive it, “the doctor said.

He explained that the bivalent booster vaccine is for both the original variant of COVID and the newer ones of Ómicron. He added that the flu shot and the bivalent can be received on the same day.

Regarding the respiratory syncytial virus, also called RSV for its acronym in English, Dr. Marzán said that “we have also seen an increase in cases”. 1,523 cases have been identified so far this year, most of them “now for the months of September and October”, and with the highest number of cases for the 0-4 year age group.

“There is no vaccine for this particular respiratory condition. But yes, the rest of the prevention measures, such as hand hygiene, disinfection of common areas, the use of masks, become measures capable of reducing the risks of prevention “, he assured, recalling that these same measures of prevention are recommended to avoid influenza and COVID, as well as for other respiratory infections such as mycoplasma.

He recalled that the three diseases have similar symptoms, such as fever, congestion, sore throat, and recommended that you go to your doctor to be able to do the necessary assessments and laboratories and determine which one is affecting you, and consequently what treatment to give him. He indicated that there may be co-infection with more than one of these viruses, for example a person can contract the flu and COVID at the same time.

“That’s why, as far as possible, and knowing that there is an increase in these conditions, ask people to get vaccinated for those who have a vaccine and stick to the rest of the preventative measures,” he insisted.

He added that for all three conditions there are effective medications and treatments, and the faster it is detected and treated, the greater the chances of better outcomes and healing for the person.

Dr Marzán stressed that the recommendations become even more relevant as the dates of traditional festivities and celebrations approach, where travel, meetings and celebrations increase.

“And the important thing is that we can do all of these things, but we can make this sharing happen in safer and healthier environments if people are vaccinated, if people use preventative measures, if you are sick, you shouldn’t go to share in one of those parts. These are recommendations that we have repeated many times, but they will not lose their validity. That’s why we give them back. “

Regarding the use of masks, he recalled that “there are still scenarios where the use of masks is necessary, such as health facilities and visits to adult care, long-term care. However, the recommendation at this time is that if you belong to one of the complication risk groups for COVID-19 and intend to share in a gathering place or with other members outside of your household, it may be important to use of a mask “.

On the other hand, in addition to the trio of respiratory diseases, the doctor has also warned of a rebound in cases of dengue, an endemic virus that is transmitted through mosquito bites.

“We have been involved in all these rainy events, which also favor mosquito breeding sites. So an invitation to people, at least once a week, to inspect around their homes to avoid accumulations of water and that they become fertile ground for mosquitoes, and to avoid mosquito bites. So this is an important message that we are also carrying right now, “said the doctor.

He recalled that to avoid or reduce mosquito bites and the presence of mosquitoes in homes, it is recommended to use repellents, the use of long sleeves and mosquito nets, as well as “screens” or metal nets on the windows.

“Dengue is endemic to Puerto Rico and with all these rainy events we have experienced in the last few weeks since Hurricane Fiona, it is an ideal environment for mosquitoes to grow, so to the extent that people can do these assessments in their homes. and the elimination of mosquito breeding sites will help prevent an increase in the adult mosquito population, “he insisted.