SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Jan. 4 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The incidence rate of flu fell slightly in the Canary Islands in the last week of December with a rate of 1,254.72 cases per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 1,296.78 cases the previous week, according to data from the Ministry of Health of the Government of Canary Islands that correspond to the latest acute respiratory infection (ARI) surveillance report.
The age groups that have a higher incidence in this last week are, on the one hand, the population from 0 to 4 years old with 4,408 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and people over 79 years of age, who have a rate of 1,435 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. , and the population from 5 to 14, a group that has a rate of 1,600 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
For this reason, the Ministry remembers the importance of vaccination against flu and covid-19 as the main measure to prevent serious symptoms of these infections in case of contagion.
In this sense, it details in a note that both vaccines are administered in all health centers of the Canarian Health Service (SCS) and that with vaccination against flu and covid-19 for the population at risk, coexistence is avoided. of the two infections in the same person, minimizing the severity of the disease in the patient and the stress on the health system.
The Ministry insists that the vaccine is the most effective means to avoid contracting or transmitting the flu, especially in those people who are at risk of suffering complications if they suffer from the disease and in personnel who are essential for the community such as healthcare and caregivers of the elderly or dependents.
People interested in receiving the flu and covid-19 vaccines can request an appointment by calling 012 or by calling 922 470 012 and 928 301 012 without additional fees.
The Ministry of Health also insists to the population on the importance of maintaining the necessary protective measures in case of presenting symptoms compatible with the flu or Covid-19 to avoid putting the most vulnerable population at risk of contagion.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO AVOID THE SPREAD
In this sense, it is remembered that if symptoms such as cough, fever, general malaise, sore throat, congestion and runny nose, among others, occur, and to avoid transmission of the virus to other people, it is recommended to wear a mask when sharing. space with other people; increase the ventilation of the rooms; perform hand hygiene frequently, especially after blowing your nose or coughing; cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with your arm or a tissue; use disposable tissues, throwing them away after each use; Avoid very close contact with vulnerable people and do not share glasses, cutlery, towels and other objects that may have come into contact with saliva or secretions.
Although the majority of acute respiratory infections evolve favorably in a few days, in certain more vulnerable cases they can cause serious illness, the Ministry points out.
Thus, if you belong to a risk group or are usually in close contact with a vulnerable population, vaccination against flu and covid-19 is recommended and the use of a mask when in crowded spaces, during times of highest incidence. of respiratory viruses.
