The Urgency of Flu Vaccination: Importance and Precautions

At a time when the Department of Health is investigating 16 suspicious deaths associated with influenza, several health professionals insisted on the importance of vaccination against this virus.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people to get vaccinated before October 31,” said Dr. Tati Medina, senior advisor at the American Academy of Pediatrics.

According to Medina, the urgency stems from the fact that the high influenza season extends from October to May.

“Even if you have recently gotten (flu), you should get the vaccine because you have to remember that there is influenza A and influenza B,” he said.

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His call comes in the midst of the influenza outbreak that Puerto Rico has been going through for several months. In the last eight weeks, cases have been increasing. In just three and a half months, the infections reported this year already represent 55% of those accumulated last season.

Attorney Elda Sierra, owner of the Elda Pharmacy in Manatí, acknowledged that the situation is worrying, to the point that she has noticed more people getting vaccinated against influenza than in other years.

“People are more worried and they are coming about three a day looking for the vaccine, which for me is a lot because my pharmacy is in the countryside and it is not usual for so many to come and ask for it,” said Sierra.

The pharmacist highlighted that many people are also purchasing home tests for the diagnosis of influenza and COVID-19. She commented that the Vital Plan is covering its policyholders up to a maximum of four home tests.

“It is good that people have access to these (home) tests and find out quickly (whether they are infected or not), but, then, we have to see if they are responsible and isolate themselves if they come out positive because those cases do not usually enter the report of Health,” he noted.

Dr. Fernando Ysern agreed on the increase in influenza cases, even more than COVID-19. In the pediatrician’s opinion, this is the result of the fact that not many people are using masks to avoid getting infected. The doctor also urged vaccination.

Meanwhile, Dr. Medina warned that not all cases of influenza warrant antiviral treatment. At the pediatric level, she indicated, Oseltamivir or Tamiflu are the usual alternative, but more so in patients at high risk of complications.

“(Tamiflu) is not an automatic diagnostic and treatment medication,” he reiterated.

As an example, he mentioned that neuropsychiatric effects (such as hallucinations, seizures, excitement and delirium) have been documented in children under 20 years of age after the use of this medication.

“Adults use it more,” he said, warning that there is also a time window for it to be effective, which should not extend beyond the first 72 hours after the onset of symptoms.

2023-10-22 09:00:00
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