A doctor and Master in Health Services Administration, Dr. Oscar Atienza, outlined an alarming picture of the current health situation in an interview on the program "Un domingo perfecto" on Splendid AM 990 radio.
Atienza emphasized that there is an exponential increase in H3N2 flu cases in the Northern Hemisphere, driven by a new, much more contagious variant ("Clado K"). According to the Argentine News Agency, Atienza warned that when a virus of this type hits with such intensity, health systems "weaken" and begin to become saturated.
"H3N2 is included in the vaccination schedule; getting vaccinated is enough to protect yourself," the university lecturer stressed, estimating that in Argentina this flu "is going to hit in May" with the start of the cold season.
Atienza was categorical in linking the resurgence of diseases that had been eradicated with the advance of groups that discourage immunization:
"The anti-vaccination campaign is being carried forward by anti-vaxxers," he denounced, pointing out that these movements have progressed based on fake news.
He reported that "half of the children are not vaccinated for measles" and that vaccination rates for the triple viral and bacterial vaccines have fallen below 60% in several regions.
He warned that deaths from whooping cough are already being recorded and that measles has returned to circulate in the country.
"We must urgently recover the vaccination rate," he sentenced.
The doctor also referred to the structural situation of the Argentine health system, assuring that "this year is going to be a little worse" due to what he called "mismanagement" and the lack of access to medicines:
Atienza denounced the dismantling of the National Congenital Heart Disease Program, highlighting that "95% of children are saved" thanks to this initiative that now lacks sufficient staff.
Impact on newborns: He pointed out that 8,000 babies are born with these problems each year and the lack of state intervention will increase the lists of infant mortality.
Excess deaths in adults: He alerted about an excess death rate of 11% in people over 65 years of age in Córdoba, a figure higher than that registered during the pandemic, linked to the impossibility of buying medicines.
Finally, the specialist recommended that those traveling abroad use masks in airports and reinforce hand hygiene, while for the local context he urged families to complete vaccination schedules starting in March and April.
