The Ministry of Health confirmed the deaths of 44 people who suffered from severe acute respiratory infections (IRAG) associated with subtypes of Influenza virus.
These people died during the infections period that started in late October. Most of the deaths had in common the presence of AH1N1 virus (53.6%) and AH3N2 virus (15.2%).
Old age, heart diseases, chronic respiratory problems and diabetes are, in that order, the most-identified risk factors among victims.
Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a group of contagious diseases, caused by viruses and bacteria that frequently affect children and adults’ respiratory system. These include colds, flu, sinusitis, throat and ear infections, bronchitis and pneumonia.
The most common symptoms are: fever, headache, muscle pain, rhinitis or inflammation of the mucosa of the nose, sore throat and cough.
Respiratory viruses are transmitted from person to person through dirty hands, secretions in the air and contaminated objects.
Take care of yourself!
Remember that simple steps will help you to keep these diseases and their complications at bay:
-Wash your hands with soap and water before hugging, kissing and touching the child population, especially children under one year old.
-Apply the protocol of sneezing and coughing, which involves the use of the forearm or a tissue to cover the mouth and nose.
-If you have a cold, do not visit homes where there are children.
-If your child has a cold, do not take him/her to daycares or other educational centers.
-If you are sick or have risk factors, avoid attending mass events.
-Protect children from sudden changes in temperature.
-Do not take children to crowded places.
-Prolong breastfeeding and wash your hands thoroughly.
-Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke. It is proven that cigarette smoke irritates the airways.