Bogotá Mayor's Office warns of increased respiratory infections, we tell you how to prevent them

In the midst of the rainy season and low temperatures in Bogotá and several regions of the country, the capital's Ministry of Health reported that the number of care associated with acute respiratory infections increased.

For this reason, the Secretariat recommends that citizens, especially parents, caregivers of children aged five and adults over 60, increase prevention measures against these infections, as well as timely recognition of warning signs.

In addition, to prevent acute respiratory infections, the entity suggests the appropriate use of masks covering mouth and nose, constant hand washing with soap and water, isolation in the event of respiratory symptoms and if it is necessary to leave the house permanent use of masks is mandatory.

For his part, the Undersecretary of Health, Manuel González, shares some recommendations for care:

1. Strengthen self-care and biosecurity measures at home and in all other social spaces to protect the respiratory tract, such as: frequent hand washing, wearing masks indoors and children over 2 years old, ensuring physical distancing and using items such as umbrellas and clothing that shelter, especially if you will be in the open air for a long time.

2. It is essential that mothers, fathers or caregivers of children under 6 years of age review that the vaccination schedule against different communicable diseases such as rubella, measles, influenza, among others is up to date. Check the 👉 vaccination points and attend.

3. The recommendation for mothers is to ensure exclusive breastfeeding until the baby is six months old, with the aim of strengthening their defense system, as well as attending comprehensive care medical checkups in Bogotá to identify potential health risks, prevent and identify diseases in a timely manner.

4. Avoid sudden changes in temperature and keep homes clean, smoke-free and ventilated, as well as promote physical activity and healthy eating.

5. The children most at risk of being aggravated by acute respiratory infections and pneumonia are those under one year old who were born premature or underweight, with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a history of bronchiolitis, suspected immunodeficiency or congenital malformations.

Boys and girls under the age of five are considered to be part of the population most susceptible to developing respiratory symptoms, as their immune system is just getting stronger. Therefore, the Secretariat recommends that parents be aware of any symptoms and practice healthy habits of care and prevention.

The pediatrician Luis Alejandro Gil Mena explains that the respiratory symptoms that most often occur in boys and girls under five years of age are rhinorrhea: that is, runny nose and congestion that occurs due to internal inflammation of the tissues that line the nose, or cyanosis, which manifests itself in through the blue coloration of the skin, fingertips or hands, among others.

In the same way, Dr. Gil recommends paying attention to other symptoms such as persistent fever for more than five days, general malaise in the child, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing and dry cough.

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