Influenza Vaccination Campaign Reaches Significant Milestone

The State of Querétaro’s Ministry of Health (SESA) has announced a considerable achievement in its ongoing influenza vaccination campaign. As of today,over 523,000 doses of the flu vaccine have been administered,representing 84.43% of the state’s targeted goal of approximately 619,500 vaccinations. This proactive measure aims to protect residents against seasonal influenza and its potential complications.

Current Influenza Statistics in Querétaro

As of March 20, the region has recorded 751 confirmed cases of seasonal influenza, affecting individuals from one month to 96 years old.The breakdown includes 444 female and 307 male patients, distributed across various municipalities:

• Amealco (9)
• Cadereyta de Montes (23)
• Colón (5)
• Corregidora (41)
• El Marqués (33)
• Ezequiel Montes (10)
• Huimilpan (4)
• Jalpan de Serra (2)
• Pedro Escobedo (6)
• Peñamiller (3)
• Pinal de Amoles (7)
• Querétaro (539)
• San Joaquín (2)
• San Juan del Río (55)
• tequisquiapan (5)
• Tolimán (7)

Mortality Data and National Overview

Regrettably, the Ministry of Health reports 16 deaths related to influenza this season. These fatalities occurred in the following municipalities: El Marqués (3), Ezequiel Montes (1), Pedro Escobedo (1), and Querétaro (11).

Nationally, as of March 14, there have been 9,005 confirmed influenza cases and 268 reported deaths. The distribution of deaths across different states is as follows:

• Aguascalientes (12)
• Baja California (16)
• Baja California Sur (3)
• Coahuila (2)
• Colima (3)
• Chiapas (1)
• Chihuahua (3)
• Mexico City (18)
• durango (1)
• Guanajuato (9)
• Guerrero (7)
• Hidalgo (9)
• Jalisco (14)
• Mexico (7)
• Michoacán (6)
• Morelos (7)
• Nayarit (2)
• Nuevo León (24)
• Oaxaca (7)
• Puebla (28)
• Querétaro (15)
• quintana roo (3)
• San Luis Potosí (6)
• Sinaloa (10)
• Sonora (23)
• Tabasco (1)
• Tamaulipas (3)
• Veracruz (3)
• Yucatán (6)
• Zacatecas (19)

Who Shoudl Get vaccinated?

The cold season brings an elevated risk of acute respiratory infections, including influenza. Vaccination is strongly recommended for specific groups to prevent complications. These include:

• Children aged 6 to 59 months
• Adults 60 years and older
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare personnel
• Individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), HIV, and morbid obesity.

Vaccination Availability

The State Vaccination Council (COEVA) has expanded influenza vaccination access to the entire population, from six months to 100 years of age. Vaccines are available at:

• IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute)
• ISSSTE (Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers)
• Health centers during their operating hours
• A dedicated vaccination post in Plaza de Armas, open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Understanding Influenza Symptoms and Prevention

Seasonal influenza typically manifests with a sudden onset of high fever,a dry cough,muscle and joint pain,headache,sore throat,general discomfort,and nasal discharge. While fever and other symptoms usually subside within a week, the cough can persist for two weeks or longer. Individuals with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of severe complications and even death from influenza. The incubation period is approximately two days [[3]].

Preventative Measures Recommended by the Ministry of Health

To minimize the risk of influenza and other respiratory infections, the Ministry of Health advises the following:

• Get vaccinated against influenza, especially if you belong to a high-risk group. [[2]]
• Wear a mask if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Dress warmly when temperatures drop.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Ventilate indoor spaces.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
• Increase your intake of foods rich in vitamins A and C.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoid exposure to extremely cold environments, snow, or ice.
• Seek medical attention promptly if you experience fever, respiratory symptoms, or discomfort.
• Avoid using stoves, heaters, or fireplaces in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces.
• Do not self-medicate.