Respiratory Virus Surge in Paraguay: Increase in Symptoms and Intensive Therapy Required

The president of the Paraguayan Society of Pneumology, José Oviedo, pointed out this Thursday that approximately two weeks ago there has been a considerable increase in respiratory symptoms in the country and stressed that four viruses are currently circulating. Many patients also require intensive therapy.

“Approximately two weeks ago we came with an increase in respiratory symptoms in clinics, hospitalizations, even requiring intensive therapy. There are about four respiratory viruses circulating, but the one that affects the most is the respiratory syncytial virus, especially in children under two years of age and mostly in children under three months of age,” said the communication specialist with radio 1000 AM. In addition, there is influenza, covid-19 and bronchiolitis.

Related note: In Ineram there is 100% occupancy in the ICU due to respiratory symptoms

He mentioned that it is the season of seasonal viruses, added to the low temperatures that have been occurring in the country and recalled that the vaccination campaign of the Ministry of Public Health is still in force, taking into account that immunization helps prevent serious cases of these diseases.

Oviedo indicated that hand washing, correct use of masks, physical distancing and ventilation of closed environments help reduce the risk of contagion with respiratory conditions. He warned that the “air blow” can also be counterproductive and recommended being in a temperate environment.

Read more: They warn that influenza A will predominate this winter

“The correct use of masks, correct hand washing, physical distancing that suddenly in schools is a bit difficult, but you have to try to teach them, they can help reduce the risk of contagion. Although you have to be in temperate environments, not hot, it is important to ventilate the houses for at least 15 minutes daily, ”added the pulmonologist.

The Ministry of Health continues with the winter vaccination campaign, which will last until July 14. Quadrivalent vaccines against influenza and the annual bivalent vaccine against covid-19 are applied, aimed at people from 12 years of age. From June 19, immunization with the hexavalent vaccine will begin, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza B and poliomyelitis, whose indication is to supply at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of life.

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2023-07-12 18:28:14
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