Health

Recommendations issued to prevent respiratory diseases due to low temperatures in Baja California

Health authorities recommended people to be very careful when taking care of children and seniors

By Redacción2023-11-25T07:59:00+00:00

The Secretariat of Health of Baja California called on the population to prevent respiratory diseases, especially in minors and seniors, which is the population sector most likely to get them.

During this season, people are more likely to get respiratory viruses. This is because low temperatures lead to less ventilation in homes, workplaces, and classrooms while people are gathered together, which makes infections easier, J. Adrián Medina Amarillas, Secretary of Health of Baja California, said.

The most vulnerable groups are children 5 years of age or younger, pregnant women, and seniors, especially those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, which is why it is important to prevent infections.

He reminded people of the following effective preventive measures: to cover oneself properly, to eat food rich in vitamin C, hot beverages, using scarves outside, and to sneeze properly.

"Vaccines against influenza for the vulnerable population (children, seniors, and pregnant women) as well as COVID-19 boosters are still available in the health sector," he emphasized.

In children, symptoms of acute respiratory diseases are: a fever higher than 37.5°, chills, coughing, runny nose, difficulty to swallow food, rapid breathing, whistling, pain when breathing, or general weakness. For example, bronchopneumonia mainly affects children 3 to 6 months old, and it is a common complication that can become pneumonia, a more serious condition, the Secretary of Health said.

He underscored the importance of not self-medicating and to keep common home areas clean, wash hands regularly, keep healthy distances, and avoid cigarette smoke. In case anyone presents symptoms, they should go to the doctor and, in case there's any coughing or sneezing, they should cover their nose and mouth. The Secretariat of Health of Baja California reiterates its commitment with people's health and calls on people to work together to prevent and control respiratory diseases due to the upcoming winter season.