Paho Recommended Immunization: Influenza Impacts Mexico

Dr. Carissa Etienne, Head of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), says there seems to be a sharp rise in infected patients across Central America and the Caribbean:

Etienne said while PAHO's weekly presentation on COVID-19 in the Americas today that influenza occurrences in the area had been extraordinarily low since the launch of the SARS-COVID-2 vaccine, but that the situation began to shift in 2022.

"The influenza virus is spreading again, and it's not only during influenza season." "The amount of infected patients in Mexico and Peru was higher than expected," she said.

Etienne also mentioned that admissions were more than typical in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Chile, Paraguay, Brazil, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic are also experiencing an outbreak of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which has resulted in hospitalisation in some instances.

"Just as we did with COVID-19, we must employ all of the resources at our disposal, beginning with vaccines." The current flu vaccination in use in the Southern Hemisphere mirror hung strains and provide additional security to those who are at risk," Etienne explained.

While health services are still recuperating from the distortion caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, Etienne also warned that the virus is resurfacing, with instances rising for the seventh week in a row. Monkeypox, viral hepatitis, and other respiratory illnesses are also on the rise, she said.

Flu is a viral virus that affects your breathing, including your nose, mouth, and lungs, according the Mayo Clinic. Although influenza is frequently referred to as "the flu," it is distinct from stomach "flu" pathogen that causes watery diarrhea.

For the most part, the flu goes away on its own. However, influenza and its consequences might be fatal in some cases. The following people are at a higher risk of having flu troubles:

Children under the age of five, particularly those under the age of six months, are vulnerable.

Adults over 65 years old

Care facility and other lengthy care facility residents

Women who are pregnant or who have given birth within two weeks

Immune-compromised individuals

Chronic illness sufferers, such as those with asthma, heart problems, renal disease, liver problems, and diabetes

Individuals who have a BMI of 40 or greater and are extremely fat.