Buenos Aires, December 20 (NA) — Following the measures announced by the National Government for the prevention of influenza A H3N2, specialists have stated that the primary way to prevent its spread is through vaccination, although a conflict over vaccine stockpiles was also mentioned. At the same time, they advocated for the use of masks in at-risk groups. In an interview with the Argentine News Agency, infectious disease specialist Daniel Stecher noted that it is essential to maintain surveillance through the Ambulatory Monitoring Units, which for several years have allowed for the characterization of which respiratory viruses are circulating in the country. "It is probable that there will be a replication in the increase in the number of cases, beyond what is usual, and an advancement of the flu season, just as is observed in the northern hemisphere," the doctor emphasized. Stecher also pointed out that "preventive measures are the usual ones," among which he detailed "hand hygiene, covering your mouth when you cough, and trying to avoid crowds," while he considers a mask "recommended for some people with risk factors," although for the moment, "it is not being considered as a general behavior." The public health expert and emergency physician, Eduardo Arellano, in conversation with NA, agreed on this point and, regarding vaccination, explained: "The Ministry of Health of the Nation has serious problems with vaccine stockpiles, for example, with the national calendar, where there has been a 50% drop in coverage, which also affects flu vaccines, as the Ministry of Health does not have good availability, so they have to be purchased abroad." Stecher assured that "The vaccine to be applied is the one available in the country and it must be given once a year" and Arellano emphasized: "As preventive measures, the priority must be to buy vaccines and inform the population about the signs, symptoms, and alerts regarding the circulation of this virus." The public health expert stated: "The situation can worsen a lot, especially if a mass vaccination campaign is not initiated, initially towards vulnerable groups who are babies, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases."
