In Mexicoduring the present flu season cases have tripled compared to last season, causing greater work absenteeism.
To date, 7,626 cases with 145 deaths have been confirmed nationwide, of which 239 patients and 10 deaths correspond to Jalisco.
Specialists indicate that the economically active population, especially women, are the most affected by this condition, which triggers work absenteeism and medical disabilities, decreased productivity and, as a result, a negative economic impact.
Martha Avilés, head of the Infectious Diseases Service of the “Federico Gómez” Children’s Hospital of Mexico, explained that the disease has affected the population between 20 and 29 years more, the number of cases equals that of more than 65 years.
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“In addition, a prevalence of 57 percent of cases in women has been recorded.”
He explained that this behavior can have several sources, on the one hand, young people, in addition to being a considerable percentage of the economically active population, have been the ones who, after the Covid-19 pandemic, are returning with greater influx to conglomerate places, which , are the perfect scenarios for the transmission of respiratory diseases.
In the case of the female sector, they represent more than 40 percent of the economically active population and are the main caregivers of minors.
Children are in a risk sector.
“If a minor is infected, it is probable that his caretaker is more exposed to the disease and a possible contagion”.
Influenza vaccine is available in the public sector and is free. Since October 2022, the Ministry of Health began the vaccination campaign for risk groups, which includes children under 5 years of age; adults over 65 years of age; people with some comorbidity such as hypertension, diabetes, heart or lung diseases; pregnant women and health personnel.
The Infectologist recalled that the influenza virus affects the respiratory system and in extreme and uncontrolled cases it can cause death.
