Under-five mortality increased due to respiratory disease: INS

In the latest epidemiological bulletin of the National Institute of Health of Colombia (INS), it was reported that acute respiratory disease has caused an increase in cases of deaths in children under five years of age.

In particular, infant mortality from acute respiratory disease increased 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, versus the figures for the same week from 2014 to 2021.

The INS reported that ten Colombian children probably lost their lives due to causes associated with acute respiratory disease, of which six died during week 9 and four more died in previous weeks.

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

In total, 1′204,249 outpatient consultations and emergencies were presented in health centers for this infection. There was a 77.3% increase over the rates presented in 2021. The age group that most consulted for this cause was that of adults aged 20 to 39 (30.6 per cent), followed by those aged 40 to 59 years, with 19.3%.

The INS said that general ward hospitalizations for acute respiratory disease increased by 7.8% compared to 2021, 21.9% over 2020 and 35% compared to 2019. The total was 44,088. The increase took place mainly in Antioquia, Barranquilla, Bolivar, Boyacá, Buenaventura, Guainía, Huila, Magdalena, and Meta.

Those over 60 years of age were the most hospitalized for this cause, with 33.7%, followed by those aged 20 to 39 years, with 12.4%.

Of course, the INS clarifies that fewer cases have entered the intermediate and intensive care units: there were 8,475 cases, a 38.2% decrease compared to 2021, but it increased by 120.8% compared to 2020. The departments with the most cases were Caqueta, Bolivar, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia, and Boyacá.

Adults over 60 years of age were the most admitted to the ICU for acute respiratory disease, followed by adults between 40 and 59 years old and those under one year old.

The increase in cases seen in children and outpatient consultations has mainly to do with the winter season that the country is facing. Associated diseases include influenza, common flu, common cold and other viruses that circulate in the country.

Given this scenario, it is important to differentiate each one so as not to panic and give the respective care. In any case, the most important thing is prevention from the correct use of the mask, permanent hand washing, maintaining physical distancing, avoiding crowds and self-isolating in case of symptoms.

For influenza and other acute respiratory infections such as the flu and the common cold, what can be taken into account is that body temperature can be manageable with home management and that discomfort can last between three or five days.

Symptoms on the other hand are more associated with nasal congestion, watery eyes, irritated throat, chills, sneezing and discharge from the nose.

The most important thing is to isolate, not self-medicate and consult health services through the EPS.

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