Flu, pneumonia and bronchiolitis: how to differentiate infections that increase the number of visits to wards

Since last April cases of human illness began to increase affected by a virus cold, the same one seasonal flu, bronchiolitis and pneumonia V Argentina.

At lower temperatures, more time is spent indoors. If they do not have adequate ventilation, this becomes a contributing factor transmission of pathogens that cause respiratory infections.

In this context, it becomes difficult to differentiate different pathologies. Most cause mild symptoms, but because Argentine Society of Infectology (SADI) And Argentine Society of Pediatrics (SAP) they warn that The population needs to be attentive to symptoms and receive timely consultation to prevent complications. This is also key stay up to date on vaccinations.

In dialogue with InformationSADI President Analia Miketyuk, elaborated: “If you notice symptoms, you should ideally contact your doctor or family doctor to avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily. If a person has the flu virus, rhinovirus, or COVID infection, they do not require the use of antibiotics. “You should not self-medicate and should follow the advice of a professional.”

Additionally, he noted that if someone has respiratory symptoms and needs to go to a health center or hospital, “they should wear a mask so as not to transmit infections to others.”

Meanwhile, an infectious disease doctor and epidemiologist Silvina RuvinskiDeputy Secretary of the National Committee on Infectious Diseases Argentine Society of Pediatricssaid Information: “It is important for the public to remember that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus already exists. It is used by pregnant women. When used, it prevents bronchiolitis in children under 6 months.”

The expert also suggested strengthening the use of COVID, pneumococcal and influenza vaccines according to the recommendations for each vaccination.

“In addition to vaccines, you will have to ventilate rooms and wash your hands frequently. Avoid exposure to tobacco smoke and stop using it.– Ruvinsky emphasized. Tobacco users are known to be at greater risk of developing infections.

According to the latest Epidemiological Bulletin of the Ministry of Health of the NationThis year, there were 288,893 cases of influenza-type illnesses, 37,329 cases of pneumonia and 28,375 cases of bronchiolitis in children under two years of age.

Although the report indicates that the number of reported cases is lower than the same period in 2023, it is reported Informationover the past weeks security guards are in greater demand. “IN Ambulatory Monitoring Units (UMAs) Increase in cases flu over the past six weeks. No positive cases SARS-CoV-2 none of ON WEDNESDAY in these units,” the national report says.

cold This can be caused by various viruses. According to the National Health Portfolio, the first symptoms may be an itchy throat, congestion or runny nose, sneezing, cough, headache, mild fever, fatigue or muscle aches.

cold symptoms They begin two to three days after contact with an infectious source. Most disappear within a week.

Instead of, flu It’s caused by a virus seasonal flu. Its symptoms are high temperature (38° and above), headache, weakness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle pain and general malaise.

Digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur with the influenza virus, but they are more common in children than adults. The disease has a short incubation period (2 to 5 days) and is highly contagious from one day before onset to seven days after.

Referring to pneumoniaMild signs and symptoms are usually similar to those of a cold or flu, but last longer, according to Mayo Clinic from USA:

• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Confusion or changes in mental perception (in adults aged 65 years and older)
• Cough that may produce phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating and chills with tremors
• Body temperature below normal (in adults over 65 and people with weak immune systems)
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Labored breathing

Boys and girls can be affected by respiratory syncytial virus, which causes bronchiolitis. They should be taken for medical advice if they are found to have one or more of these signs:

• Very fast breathing.
• Puff up your nose.
• Your chest or ribs sag when you breathe.
• He complains while breathing.
• He stops eating or has difficulty latching.
• You are irritable or have trouble falling asleep.
• Blue color of the skin, nails or lips due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis): in this case, urgent treatment is necessary.

Less frequently, they still circulate coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 which led to the pandemic in 2020. The disease usually presents with two or more of the following symptoms: fever (37.5°C or higher), cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, headache, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, rhinitis and nasal congestion.

Some people experience loss of smell or taste due to COVID-19. According to the Ministry of Health, if you have symptoms, it is recommended to stay home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better and at least 24 hours have passed since the fever has disappeared. If you live with other people, isolate yourself at home if possible.

One of the COVID prevention measures is vaccination. At government vaccination centers, doses are available based on people’s risk level.

For vaccination we must add sufficient ventilation to the premises and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol gel.

Safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent infections or reduce complications of disease.

V Argentina, As of March 2024, it was registered as Vaccination strategy against respiratory syncytial virus pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks while the virus is circulating. In this way, children are protected from bronchiolitis.

Bye, flu vaccine Indicated as a priority for groups with an increased risk of complications. for example, adults over 65 years of age, people with chronic diseases (diabetics, heart and lung disease) and immune disorders, children or adolescents who are continuing long-term therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), and health care workers. (doctors, nurses and people in contact with high-risk patients).

Anyway, flu vaccine It can be used from six months of age, without a maximum age limit.

To protect yourself from certain species pneumoniaa vaccine that protects against serious infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria is available in the official vaccination schedule.

This is for infants, people aged 65 years and older – sequential vaccination schedule, people aged 5 to 64 years (immune-compromised, chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes, alcoholism, chronic liver disease, smoking) and people received vaccination. hematopoietic cell transplantation.