The Panamanian state acquires half a million doses against influenza.
In Panama, July 5, 2019. The Lovexair Foundation, which organizes a series of activities to promote awareness of respiratory health, develop a roadmap for leaders and patient representatives to integrate into the global movement around respiratory health.

Also unite future actions on a global scale, aware of the situation that Panama is currently facing against the influenza virus, presents these recommendations.

Risk groups and contagion

Among the risk groups that should be prioritized, in addition to pregnant women and children from 1 to 4 years old, there are also patients with chronic diseases, health officials, indigenous population, poultry farm workers, marginalized groups and the displaced.

The person responsible for influenza is a virus. For this reason, as a preventive measure it is essential to avoid contact with sick people. In addition, it is important to frequently wash your hands with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

Another measure to take into account is to cover your nose and mouth with a disposable handkerchief, or cover yourself with your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Although all of these tips are helpful in preventing the flu, the most effective measure is vaccination. 

In general, the influenza vaccine is effective, since it prevents the spread of the disease, reduces the number of hospitalizations, helps prevent complications, protects women during and after pregnancy, and protects the people around us. In turn, this vaccine saves the lives of the most vulnerable population groups, such as children, the elderly and sick people.

Vaccines: Preventing the flu

The influenza vaccine in Panama begins to be supplied in the month of May, one month before the rainy season begins, a time when the number of respiratory diseases increases. In Panama, the dose supplied is tetravalent; that is, it protects against four virus strains: two influenza A strains, and two influenza B strains, which are the strains that circulate in the country. 

About the Lovexair Foundation

Lovexair is a non-profit organization dedicated to the cure, support and accompaniment of people affected by chronic and rare respiratory diseases. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of these patients and their families, as well as to support health professionals so that they can improve patient care and follow-up.

To achieve this, Lovexair has developed the HappyAir Smart Community ( www.happyair.org), a community of patients, family members, caregivers, and the healthcare professionals who support them. It offers training and resources in digital health to help them – at a clinical, social and educational level – to manage their respiratory pathology and lead an active life.

With the support of health professionals and pharmacists, the Foundation is currently developing projects at a local level aimed at respiratory patients, as well as their families or caregivers, with the aim of training them in self-care, stimulating their active life and improving their quality of life. http://www.lovexair.com

If you want to know more about Influenza and how to prevent it, download our infographic clicking here.