Respiratory viruses pose greater danger to hypertensive and diabetic patients, Paraguay warns

Paraguay's Ministry of Public Health is issuing a stark warning about the increased danger respiratory viruses pose to individuals with chronic health conditions. The ministry emphasizes that people suffering from hypertension, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and lung conditions are at a significantly higher risk of developing severe complications.

This warning comes amid the persistent circulation of respiratory viruses, which have already caused 164 deaths in the country this year. The ministry highlighted a concerning trend: individuals with these chronic illnesses also exhibit the lowest vaccination rates against influenza. This lack of protection leaves them particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes.

Health authorities are making an urgent appeal for influenza immunization, stating that annual vaccination remains the most effective strategy to drastically reduce complications, hospitalizations, and mortality. The urgency is underscored by recent data showing 34 deaths associated with respiratory viruses in the last four weeks alone. Alarmingly, none of the individuals who died in the past month had been vaccinated against the current flu season.

While the flu vaccine does not offer absolute immunity against all viruses, it provides effective protection against severe forms of illness and reduces the risk of death. The current epidemiological situation shows a high demand on the healthcare system, with 23,021 consultations for respiratory viruses in the past week and 1,471 hospitalizations in the last month. Children under 2 and adults over 60 represent the largest groups occupying hospital beds.

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Salud Pública insta a la población a vacunarse, advirtiendo que hipertensos, diabéticos y asmáticos sufren mayor riesgo de complicaciones.