Buenos Aires, Dec 19 (NA) – An infectiologist ruled out the possibility of a quarantine or pandemic due to the three confirmed cases of influenza A (H3N2) in Argentina, but recommended mask-wearing for at-risk groups and handwashing.
Eduardo López (MN 37.586) spoke with the Argentine News Agency and stated that there could be more infections in the summer: "I don't believe there will be a significant outbreak of this virus, it won't be critical."
In this regard, he explained that there is an "outbreak" of influenza in Europe and Asia, but it is "controllable" with the application of the vaccine, which "will arrive in the southern hemisphere in February": "It doesn't provide 100% effectiveness, although it prevents the most severe forms."
"The feeling one has is that there won't be isolation or a pandemic, as happened with COVID-19," he stated.
However, the doctor advised the use of masks—especially for at-risk groups—frequent handwashing, avoiding crowds, and ventilating indoor spaces at home.
López indicated that the main symptoms are high fever, muscle and joint pain, cough, and fatigue, as it is an acute illness.
From ANLIS-Malbrán, they noted that provincial jurisdictions are responsible for conducting the corresponding epidemiological investigations and ensuring timely care for detected cases.
In this sense, the integrated surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses shows that viral circulation in the country remains within the expected values for the time of year.
