Influenza, rhinovirus and SARS-CoV2, main causes of consultations and hospitalizations

Asunción, IP Agency.- According to the Universal Surveillance report, in the last week there were 13,260 consultations for influenza-type illness (ILI). The currently circulating respiratory viruses are Influenza A H1N1, Rhinovirus and SARS-CoV2, so it is requested not to let our guard down and take all precautions to avoid contagion.

In the sentinel centers, 128 were hospitalized for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), 52% corresponded to pediatric age; 36% being under 2 years old, 48% corresponding to adulthood, and 46% being over 60 years old.

The age groups most affected by acute respiratory infections in the last three weeks are those under 2 years of age and over 60 years of age. Within this period, the proportion of admissions to the intensive care unit, as well as that of deaths from SARI, so far remains within what was expected.

Among the respiratory viruses identified this week, in patients hospitalized for acute respiratory infections, the predominance in the circulation of Rhinovirus persists, followed by SARS-CoV2 and Influenza A H1N1.

In the last week evaluated, 3 deaths associated with SARS-CoV2 were reported, according to the Sentinel Surveillance report.

Access annual protection against respiratory viruses

The population is encouraged to receive the annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of hospitalizations and associated deaths. It is also important to keep the regular vaccination schedule for children up to date, especially those under 5 years of age.

Annual vaccination against circulating respiratory viruses is available in all vaccination centers in the country. These vaccines against influenza and COVID-19 are indicated for the population, from 6 months of age onwards.

Vaccination sites in vacunate.gov.py

Consultation in time

If you develop respiratory symptoms, it is essential to wear a mask, go to the doctor’s office and comply with the rest indicated by the health professional to avoid infecting others.

Recommendations to prevent infections:

• People with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask Correctly. Its use is also key when going to health facilities. The mask should not be removed when coughing or sneezing.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.Discard the tissue and then sanitize your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with the inner flex of your elbow, never with your hand, in order to reduce the dispersion of droplets and aerosols, as well as the contamination of surfaces.
• wash hands correctly and frequently.
• Maintain the room ventilation.
• Avoid coming into close contact with people who show signs of respiratory illness such as coughing or sneezing.