COVID-19 infections are increasing in Peru: How to protect yourself from the increase in coronavirus cases? | THE GALLER

The arrival of COVID 19 In our country, approximately five years ago, it ceased to be a health emergency for many Peruvians. However, deaths continue, although the numbers have decreased significantly compared to the first years of the pandemic. The most affected groups continue to be the elderly, pregnant women and those with co-morbidities. Given the risk of increased cases of COVID-19 in La Libertad, the Regional Health Management has announced an epidemiological alert. This measure aims to prevent the increase of infections, especially among vulnerable groups.

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In this context, Ministry of Health (Minsa) announced the number of deaths from the coronavirus in the last three weekscalling on the population not to despair and continue to take precautions against any respiratory illness.

According to director of the Minsa Epidemiological Center, César Munayco, Over the past three weeks, five deaths from the coronavirus were reported nationwide, most of them in adults over 70.. Munayco recommended that citizens take preventive measures and especially follow vaccination schedules.

“On these dates, we observed an increase in cases, but its proportions are significantly lower compared to the peaks recorded in the first years of the pandemic. COVID-19 already exhibits endemic behavior and has become part of the seasonal viruses we face every year. It is important to remember that these respiratory viruses will continue to circulate and the best way to prevent them is through vaccination.explained Munayco. Furthermore, he reported that, From January 1 to 6, three positive cases of coronavirus have already been registered.

Through the surveillance system, authorities have detected the simultaneous presence of several infectious respiratory agents, including SARS-CoV-2, Human Rhinovirus, Human Metapneumovirus and bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

Therefore, they asked the population to take preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus, giving various recommendations against respiratory symptoms. The population is advised to wear masks if they present symptoms, wash their hands frequently or use antibacterial gel, wear respiratory tags when coughing or sneezing, and keep distance from the elderly and people with co-morbidities to avoid contagion.. Also, they reminded health workers that the use of masks remains mandatory inside health facilities.

According to the data of Situation Room of Minsa, in December 2024 There has been an increase in the number of people infected with COVID-19. Until the 52nd epidemiological weekat the national level have been counted 23,361 confirmed cases and 488 deaths. The upward trend was evident in the last four weekswhich coincides with social gatherings during the holiday season.

Although the arrival of vaccines has reduced infections overall, Minsa warned that the virus continues to represent a significant risk if the necessary measures are not taken.

RECOMMENDATIONS

César Munayco emphasized the importance of people with respiratory problems to wear masks and wash their hands due to the increase in cases of COVID-19. “It is essential that anyone with respiratory symptoms wears a mask, washes hands or uses alcohol gel to avoid infecting others. If we are going to meet indoors, let’s try to ventilate the space. All this is necessary to prevent other people from getting sick.“, he declared.

The CDC representative emphasized the need to care for the elderly, who continue to be the most affected age group. He further emphasized the importance of protecting the elderly suffering from co-morbidities.

In a previous report from Businessit Minister of Health, César Vásquezemphasized that It is normal for respiratory viruses to circulate at this time of year due to the change of season and the large crowds of people during the Christmas holidays.. He called on the population to visit vaccination centers and in this way avoid deaths, since even though deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded, these correspond to vulnerable groups who have not been vaccinated.

iMPACT

In an interview with El Comercio, Alexis Holguín, physician and president of the Board of Directors of the Peruvian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases for the period 2024-2026reported that this situation has been happening since 2020, as there are times when cases increase. “This is due to factors such as dating and the introduction of new variants, among others. It generally happens during the holidays and it is in December when there is an increase in cases. This happened in 2020, at the beginning of the second wave, in 2022, in 2023 and so on.“, he said.

He stressed that vulnerable people should take special care, especially the elderly, who usually meet with relatives from other countries and, sometimes, do not take all the appropriate measures, thus risking infection and suffering an impact and greater gravity. On the other hand, in other people the clinical symptoms are probably milder. “While it has less impact, that doesn’t mean there aren’t cases; yes there is. And we’re not just talking about COVID, but also the flu and other respiratory illnesses“, he said.

“Sometimes it is possible to predict, but other times it is complicated, as the situation can change. Precisely during the end-of-year holidays, meetings between different groups usually take place and there are also people who come from other countries where they are exposed to a greater circulation of respiratory viruses. If you have respiratory symptoms, it is advisable to wear a mask, it is not taboo, it should be a habit. Additionally, if you have an appointment scheduled but are experiencing symptoms, it is best to avoid attending. On the other hand, it is important to frequent well-ventilated spaces and keep vaccinations up to date.he added.

vaccinations

it Ministry of Health (Minsa) informed Business that vaccination campaigns have not stopped. “Since the arrival of the first vaccines in February 2021, Minsa has continuously maintained vaccination against COVID-19 for the entire population. Vaccines are prioritized for risk groups and people with co-morbidities. We remind the population that they should not wait for the announcement of a vaccination campaign to receive the vaccine; They can always go to the nearest health facility and catch up on any missing doses.“, he noted.

“Minsa recalls the importance of continuing to apply preventive measures such as constant hand washing, covering sneezes or coughs with the bend of the elbow or disposable paper, using surgical masks in case of cold or flu symptoms and in environments with little or no . ventilation or in closed spaceshe added.