Dr. Yori Roque, president of the Dominican Society of Infectious Diseases
SANTO DOMINGO, RD/ DIARIO DE SALUD.- The Dominican Society of Infectious Diseases (SDI) urges the population to reinforce preventive measures to prevent the contagion and spread of respiratory viruses, especially given the increase in travelers and family gatherings typical of the Christmas holidays.
In a statement, the medical entity alerts the population about the increase in tourism in the Dominican Republic, projecting around 900,000 visitors by air during December. This phenomenon increases the risk of introduction and spread of respiratory viruses and other infectious agents that currently affect several regions of the world.
It is emphasized that in countries such as the United States and Europe there is a high circulation of respiratory viruses, including influenza A (subtype H3N2 and its subclade K), H1N1, influenza B, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
This highlights the need to maintain reinforced preventive measures to avoid infections. Among the main recommendations aimed at the general population are:
– Reinforce hand hygiene by frequently washing with soap and water or using alcohol-based solutions, especially after traveling, using public transportation or participating in mass events.
– Proper use of masks, particularly if respiratory symptoms occur. It is also advisable to consider its use in closed, crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, with the aim of protecting vulnerable groups such as older adults, small children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.
Home isolation due to symptoms: stay home if you have fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion or other respiratory symptoms, avoiding social gatherings and work activities.
Up-to-date vaccination: it is recommended for travelers from the United States and Europe to update their vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 before traveling, and for the entire population to keep their vaccination schedules updated according to the vaccines available in the country, in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Public Health.
In the event of warning signs that warrant medical evaluation: it is recommended to seek medical attention when difficulty breathing occurs; persistent or very high fever; chest pain; severe weakness, drowsiness, or confusion; progressive worsening of symptoms; Fever associated with bleeding and severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting.
He adds that when faced with symptoms in young children, older adults, pregnant women or people with chronic diseases, remember that a timely consultation, depending on the intensity of the symptoms, allows for better care and contributes to the organized use of health services.
The entity urges health personnel to maintain a high index of clinical suspicion in patients with respiratory or febrile symptoms, especially with a history of travel or contact with travelers, and to reinforce infection prevention and control measures, including hand hygiene, adequate use of personal protective equipment and isolation when indicated.
Also Promote the vaccination of health personnel as a key measure of individual and collective protection and guide patients about warning signs, self-care and timely consultation according to the severity of the clinical condition.
