Death rate increases under 5 years of age due to respiratory diseases: INS

In the latest epidemiological bulletin of the National Institutes of Health of Colombia (INS), it is reported that cases of deaths in children under 5 years of age have increased due to acute respiratory diseases.

In particular, there was an increase in infant mortality from acute respiratory diseases in the departments of Caquetá, Córdoba, Guainía, Guaviare, Huila, Nariño, Norte de Santander and Vaupés. The calculation was made by comparing the history of deaths from this cause during week 9 of 2022 with figures from the same state from 2014 to 2021.

The INS said that 10 Colombian children were likely to have lost their lives due to causes related to acute respiratory disease, of which 6 died in week 9 and 4 died last week.

In addition, the organization stated in its report that cases of acute respiratory infections have increased in outpatient care, emergency care and hospitalization in the general wards of Córdoba, Guainía, Santa Marta, Vichada and Vaupés.

A total of 1'204,249 cases of outpatient care and emergencies were presented at the health center for this infection, which rose 77.3% from the rates presented in 2021.The age group most consulted for this cause was adults between 20 and 39 years old (30.6%), followed by the age range between 40 and 59 years of age, 19.3%.

The INS reported that hospitalizations to the general ward for acute respiratory diseases increased by 7.8% compared to 2021, 21.9% compared to 2020, and 35% compared to 2019. The total was 44,088. The increase was mainly in Antioquia, Barranquilla, Bolivar, Boyaca, Buenaventura, Guainia, Huila, Magdalena and Meta.

People over the age of 60 were most hospitalized for this cause, followed by 33.7%, and people between 20 and 39 years old with 12.4%.

Of course, INS makes it clear that there are fewer cases of entry into intermediate and intensive care units: there were 8,475 cases, a decrease of 38.2% compared to 2021, but an increase of 120.8% compared to 2020. The departments with the highest number of cases were Caqueta, Bolivar, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia and Boyaca.

Adults over 60 years of age are most often admitted to ICU for acute respiratory diseases, followed by adults between 40 and 59 years of age and adults under 1 year of age.

The increase in cases seen in children and outpatient care is mainly related to the winter season faced by the country. Related diseases include influenza, common flu, colds, and other viruses circulating throughout the country.

Given this scenario, it is important to differentiate each one in order not to panic and to provide care for each one. In any case, the most important thing is to avoid the correct use of masks, wash hands permanently, maintain physical distancing, avoid crowds, and self-isolate in case of symptoms.

In the case of influenza and other acute respiratory infections, such as flu and colds, it is possible to take into account that the body temperature can be managed through home care and that the discomfort can last for 3 to 5 days.

On the other hand, the symptoms are more related to nasal congestion, watery eyes, sore throat, chills, sneezing, and nasal discharge.

The most important thing is not to self-medicate, but to isolate and contact the medical service through EPS.

Continue reading