“Pediatric Institution Urges Vaccinations and Prevention Measures to Combat Rise in Respiratory Illnesses”

“Since epidemiological week 10 – that is, since the beginning of last March – we have noticed a sustained increase in consultations for symptoms linked to respiratory symptoms. Today, between 50 and 70% of hospitalizations are due to respiratory causes”. With this conclusive information, the authorities of the Garrahan Hospital called on the parents of the minors to come to vaccinate the youngest and, in addition, to intensify the prevention measures to reduce the impact of the flu and bronchiolitis in this age group. .

Thus, the professionals of the largest pediatric institution in the country asked to strengthen care measures against the increased circulation of respiratory viruses that cause two common pathologies in childhood: pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Both are already “circulating” in society at levels similar to those that existed before the pandemic.

A piece of information that was provided by the hospital and that shows the magnitude of the current situation is the following: “Currently, the hospital’s Emergency area is resolving between 300 and 400 spontaneous daily consultations and we have an average of 60 hospitalizations per day, in addition to other consultations and scheduled hospitalizations ”, summarized Luis Urrutia, general coordinator of Guardia. And he recalled again that “the current levels of demand for assistance and hospitalization for these cases are already similar to the seasonal peaks that we had prior to the covid-19 pandemic.”

From the hospital they recalled that vaccination recommendations cover boys and girls between 6 and 24 months of age. And they clarified that, although there are still no vaccines for some of the common respiratory viruses, many of the infections they register are due to flu or whooping cough. And both can be prevented with proper vaccination. That is why it is key to check the card and go to a vaccination center as soon as possible to receive the free and compulsory immunizations for each age.

But, in addition, other recommendations were added to immunization: “Put infection prevention measures into practice.” These include ventilation of closed spaces and rooms and frequent hand washing. In addition, of course, make a consultation in a guard prematurely before the appearance of any symptoms, especially if those who suffer from them are babies at risk.