Seasonal flu cases are on the rise in Argentina, up 225% in just three weeks

Virus circulation seasonal flu growing in Argentina. Officially reported cases rose 225% between the second and last week of May.

According to Epidemiological bulletin Ministry of Health of the Nationconfirmed cases people with flu they had a promotion from 384 cases in the week of May 12 to 1,248 in the last week of last month.

The influenza virus usually causes mild illness. But in some groups, such as older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant people, people with chronic illnesses, or people who use tobacco products, the flu can cause complications and serious symptoms.

Since the beginning of the year, – reported in the Bulletin – death 41 people diagnosed with influenza in the country.

Also by calls Outpatient monitoring departments There has been a confirmed increase in the number of influenza cases over the past 8 weeks, with 62 positive cases reported among 120 samples in the last week. Among those hospitalized in the first seven days of June, 320 cases of influenza were recorded.

Influenza cases began to rise in the second half of April, but the development accelerated in the second half of May. They exceeded 200 cases weekly in recent weeks.

To date, 421 samples from influenza patients have been studied. He 99% – influenza A. A total of 73 samples were subtyped, of which 69 were influenza A H3N2 viruses.

“Today it circulates mainly seasonal influenza A H3N2 in Argentina with a severe cough and fever for several days,” he said. Information Andrea Uboldivice president Argentine Society of Vaccinology and Epidemiology (SAVE). Primary and secondary school students, as well as adults, are the most affected by the flu.

People with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems should use chin strap when they are in closed places with other people or when they have to consult in health centers and hospitals, recommended Dr. Uboldi.

Flu is a disease contagious respiratory and is caused by various influenza viruses. Its symptoms are as follows:

• High temperature (38° or higher)
• Headache
• decompose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Muscle pain
• General discomfort.

Symptoms may also appear digestive such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. But these symptoms are more common in children than in adults.

The influenza virus is transmitted through infectious particles which are issued cough or sneeze. Therefore, constant ventilation of rooms with several people present is a measure that reduces the risk of transmission of influenza and other diseases such as COVID.

The flu has a period short incubation which ranges from 2 to 5 days. Is very contagious: A person who has the virus can transmit it from one day before symptoms appear to up to seven days after.

In dialogue with InformationSADI President Analia Miketyukstated a few days ago: “If you notice symptoms, you should ideally contact your doctor or family doctor to do not take antibiotics unless necessary. 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 you 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.”

The flu shot is still recommended as the virus may continue to circulate for months to come. The vaccine can be given to all people six months of age and older.

Argentina’s public vaccination centers are administering the flu vaccine free of charge to groups of people at increased risk of developing complications. if they get infected.

The goal is to achieve coverage greater than or equal to 95% in each at-risk population. Thus, the goal is to reduce the number of complications, hospitalizations, sequelae, and deaths caused by infection with the virus that causes influenza.

This flu shot is for people from 6 to 24 months of life, medical personnel, people over 65 years of age, pregnant and postpartum women. up to 10 days after discharge from the maternity hospital (if they were not vaccinated during pregnancy) and people of any age with risk factors.