There are 491 cases of influenza in a month and a half

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Between September 30 and November 15, there were 491 cases of influenza, ie 333 more than those recorded in the same period of 2017, when 158 patients were detected, according to data from the Ministry of Health (Ssa).

In the latest epidemiological bulletin, the department explained that of the 491 cases of influenza, 378 correspond to A (H1N1), 76 to B, 28 to A and 9 to A (H3N2) strains. He reported that 28 deaths from this virus were reported: 23 are from A (H1N1), 3 from strain A and 2 from B. Last year there were two deaths.

According to health information, in week 46 – covering 11-15 November 2017, there were 158 cases and two deaths. The increase in the virus was also observed in the last week, when 116 reports of this disease increased, as 375 and 16 deaths were reported by week 4 to November 10.

Entities with the highest number of confirmed cases of influenza in the 2018-2019 season are: Veracruz, Guerrero, Chiapas, Sinaloa and Oaxaca; which adds a total of 51.9% of the total confirmed cases. The countries with more deaths caused by the flu are: Veracruz, Tabasco, Sonora, Chiapas and Sinaloa, which together account for 64.3% of the deaths.

Health detailed that age groups with more flu cases are: from 1 to 9 years, over 60 years and from 40 to 49 years old. He explained that this season there is a larger circulation of type A (H1N1), with 77%; type B, 15%; Influenza A, 6%, and A (H3N2) with only 2%.

Due to the low temperatures recorded over the past few days, the unit recommends warming the population and avoiding sudden temperature changes. He explained that influenza, also known as "flu", is a contagious respiratory disease that primarily affects the nose, throat, bronchi and, occasionally, the lungs.

The most effective way to prevent the disease and its consequences is vaccination; Other important recommendations are hand washing, avoiding direct contact with sick people without touching their nose, mouth and eyes and cleaning the most common contact areas at home, at work or at home. school, especially when someone is sick.