Spring began on September 1st at Australia and with that, the country left behind one of the strongest flu seasons in recent years. This has put Spain on alert, which, following the southern hemisphere, is already preparing to face a strong epidemic flu in fall and winter.
And in recent years, countries in the northern hemisphere, such as Spain, have looked closely at Australia, which anticipates what will happen during the flu season. In this sense, it is worth noting that this year the figures in Australia have been particularly alarming: hospitals have reached critical levels Due to the increase in severe cases, health authorities have recorded an unusually high number of hospitalizations and deaths linked to the virus.
According to data provided by Australian health authorities, up to September 30, 343,910 positive cases of influenza have been reported, although according to the National Reportable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS), cases have been much higher because “many people get sick and” have flu symptoms but don’t go to the doctor.
Flu vaccination
Given this situation, experts call for vaccinationwhich has already started in some autonomous communities. In Galicia the campaign started on September 23, while in Andalusia and Cantabria the campaign started on September 30.
In Castile and León it started this Tuesday, October 1, while in the Community of Madrid it will do it next Monday, October 7. In Extremadura and Navarre it will start a week later, on October 14.
The Ministry of Health recalls that population groups most at risk of suffering from complications or serious illnesses must be vaccinated against influenza. These groups are:
- Over 60 years old
- Detained in centers for disabled people and retirement homes
- People with diabetes, morbid obesity, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory diseases, hemoglobinopathies, aspenia, chronic liver disease or serious neuromuscular diseases
- People with immunosuppression, cancer or chronic inflammatory disease
- Pregnant women in any trimester of pregnancy or during the postpartum period (up to 6 months after delivery and who were not vaccinated during pregnancy)
- People living with people with a high degree of immunosuppression
Flu Recommendations
In addition to vaccinating patients who may be at higher risk of contracting the flu, experts recommend following a series of tips to minimize symptoms and treat the pathology in the best possible way.
In case the contagion is mild, they recommend:
- Keep rest at home
- Stay hydrated with water or herbal teas and maintain a balanced diet
- Maintain good household hygiene and wash your hands frequently to avoid further infections.
- Use antipyretics containing paracetamol to control fever
- Provide, as far as possible, an individual and ventilated space
- Avoid visits and contacts until 24 hours after the fever has disappeared
- Contact health services in the event of breathing difficulties, sudden worsening, chest pain, bluish or purple appearance of the skin, dizziness or changes in consciousness, high fever for more than three days, nausea and/or severe drop in blood pressure.
