While covid is ironed out, influenza A begins to gain ground in San Juan. There are already 55 confirmed cases. Mónica Jofré, head of Epidemiology, said that the majority of infected people are under 60 years of age and have comorbidities. “In other years, almost all patients with influenza A were over 60 years old and we still do not have people in that age group infected with this disease. Now we have many children, adolescents and young adults. We believe it is because the older adult has been taking care of himself two years ago due to covid and it still doesn’t go out that often,” said the official, commenting that they expect that figure to grow in the coming days.
Jofré explained that until the end of the last epidemiological week, which is done on Saturdays, San Juan had accumulated a total of 55 positive cases of influenza A. “These cases are confirmed by the laboratory and many of them are people who are hospitalized,” He said and commented that people who are experiencing this disease have comorbidities. Although he did not give precise figures, he said that people with asthma, hypertension and obesity predominate. “We have many asthmatic patients and that is why we ask that as soon as they can be vaccinated, they do so,” he added, explaining that they consider that the flu is hitting harder in those under 60 years of age, because they are the people who currently have more school activities and mainly labor.
“We are alert and we believe that the number is going to increase. Since February, when the cases were detected, the number has been increasing. it is covid and that we have respiratory viruses circulating,” added the professional. In this context, she explained that influenza A is a mandatory reporting disease (that is, it must be reported to the Health authorities) and each patient has a file detailing what symptoms they have. “In the tables that we are seeing, they have all the symptoms, as described in the books. High fever, a lot of muscle pain and joint pain. It is a disease that puts you to bed and that is the main difference with a common cold. “He added and asked that people consult their doctors when they have symptoms compatible with influenza A.
Due to the alert that exists, from Health they also said that it is essential that people get vaccinated. “Vaccination is advancing gradually. Adults over 65 years of age are the ones who are going to get their dose the most, but children under 9 years of age and pregnant women are attending to a lesser extent,” added Fabio Muñoz, from Immunizations, and commented They hope that in the next few days the vaccination will open for the rest of the risk group.
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Vaccines
Currently people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, infants between 6 and 24 months, and children between 2 and 9 years of age with a medical certificate can receive the vaccine.
Symptoms
Most are similar to those of the seasonal flu. The main ones are respiratory distress, decay, paleness, fever, headache, agitation when walking and pain in the chest and abdomen.
Diagnosis
Influenza A is diagnosed through a swab. This is done at the Rawson hospital, but with medical indication. That is why doctors were asked to increase vigilance.
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