Respiratory diseases: the first weekend of July Alassia received 280 consultations

Winter has come and with low temperatures respiratory diseases are on the agenda. The first weekend of July, at the pediatric hospital Dr. Orlando Albadia, 280 consultations were recorded. Given the high demand, the province's Ministry of Health strengthens pediatric care through the Health Promotion and Prevention Branch

"Low temperatures favor health care. occurrence of diseases that affect the airways, the demand for health care and the number of hospitalizations increases " said the director of epidemiology, Carolina Carolina Cudos. In this regard, he acknowledged that "the circulation of respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, parainfluenza was highlighted". One good: "has not been detected so far the circulation of the influenza virus (influenza virus) on the provincial territory", clarified.

These diseases affect everyone, but the most vulnerable are children. In this sense Cudos confirmed that in the children 's hospital of the provincial capital on the weekend of July 6 and 7, there were "280 consultations". "From the department, we have followed up to evaluate the development of this process and the needs of health services, and despite this increase in consultation, we respond with reinforcements in resources" sentenced. 19659004] "These diseases affect us all without distinction of age, but the most vulnerable are always children, especially those under 6 months of age, and most of these diseases are caused by viruses. diseases accounted for 48% of the total while in 2017 they corresponded to 55% " continued.

The Director of Epidemiology confirmed that this year, as in previous years, "the most common is bronchiolitis which is characterized by obstruction of the small airway.The peak occurs between 2 and 6 months The hospitalization profile concerns young children who, because of their young age, the immaturity of their defenses and the development of their lungs, need more attention, "he said. The official explained that the causative virus is the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) responsible for 20 to 40% of cases.

"Up to now, up to 60% of Inpatients are positive for this virus, and this disease is transmitted from one person to another by contact with tiny contaminated droplets or objects that have come into contact with them. Symptoms usually appear 4 to 6 days after contact with the virus " noted Cudos. " Until today, RSV treatment involves hydration and lymphaleropathy. oxygenation until the end of the disease. Antibiotics do not cure RSV, and infants and children with a serious infection with this virus may require hospitalization to receive oxygen, humidified air and intravenous fluids. It is also possible that a respirator is needed. " said the official.

" There is still no vaccine to prevent infection with respiratory syncytial virus, but scientists are working hard to create one. However, there is one drug that can help protect some babies: palivizumab. There is a series of monthly injections during the winter season that are placed on infants and young children who are at higher risk of being seriously ill with this virus (premature , with heart disease). In the province, we have 281 premature babies, 28 with conbad heart disease and 38 patients with Iapes who have already received three doses of this drug ", Cudos concluded.