Poor management of pneumonia can trigger bacterial resistance
• On the occasion of World Flu Day, which is commemorated on November 12, Rocío Valdez Labastida and Paula Santiago Martínez emphasize the importance of vaccination against seasonal influenza, as well as preventive measures to avoid contagion of respiratory diseases.
It is a delicate or serious disease of the respiratory system, agree Rocío Valdez Labastida and Paula Santiago Martínez, regarding World Pneumonia Day, which is commemorated on November 12.
This infection, indicates Valdez Labastida, can be acquired in the community or also within the hospital. Its pathogenic origin can be due to bacteria, viruses or fungi.
In Mexico we have prevention for these three causes with a very effective vaccine that is included in the national scheme, in order to anticipate serious causes of the disease, he specifies.
Meanwhile, Paula Santiago points out that the probable complications are different if they are caused by viruses or bacteria. Community-acquired pneumonia can be confused with influenza virus, mycoplasma, or Streptococcus pneumoniaewhich are the three main bacteria that cause this type of disease, versus COVID.
There is really a chasm between the clinical presentation for pneumonia that is located only in the alveolus of the lung parenchyma, unlike COVID-19, which is a multisystem infection, abounds.
Given this scenario, Santiago Martínez mentions the importance of proper diagnosis and the ideal choice of treatment, since poor management can trigger bacterial resistance. We must not lose sight of its projection, as it indicates that it could be strengthened by the year 2050.
Impact of prevention
According to the most recent update carried out by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, only from January to March 2024, 212,404 deaths were recorded in the country, of which 11,098 were caused by pneumonia and influenza.
The data, based on the Statistics of Registered Deaths (EDR) published in statement 545, revealed that pneumonia, along with influenza, ranks fourth among the main causes of death in Mexico with just over 11 thousand in the period. cited, only below malignant tumors with 23,464 deaths; diabetes mellitus, 30,501; In first place were heart conditions, with 51,586 deaths.
“That is where we must impact as health professionals, as human resource trainers, with community nursing practices just when the winter season begins, promoting everything from hand washing, oral hygiene, to the importance of vaccination. ”says Paula Santiago.
In addition to this, Rocío Valdez emphasizes, immunization against seasonal influenza is essential for the general population, not only for the group over 60 years of age. We must remember that October and November are the ideal months to receive it.
Regarding the child population from 0 to 5 years old, it is imperative to complete their vaccination schedule against Haemophilus Influenzae. In addition to continuing with the known measures: cough or sneeze etiquette (forearm over mouth); use a face mask, wash hands frequently, and ventilate the home during the day.
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Poor Management of Pneumonia Can Trigger Bacterial Resistance
• On the occasion of World Flu Day, celebrated on November 12, Rocío Valdez Labastida and Paula Santiago Martínez remind us of the importance of vaccination and preventive measures against respiratory diseases.
Ah, pneumonia – the delicate art of making your lungs feel like they’ve signed up for a heavyweight match against a sumo wrestler. Yes, folks, we’re talking about a serious respiratory infection that can come from bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. Just think of it as the ‘choose your own adventure’ of infections!
On this illustrious occasion of World Pneumonia Day, our experts, Valdez Labastida and Santiago Martínez, remind us that while vaccines exist in Mexico’s arsenal to combat these dastardly pathogens, we still need proper management or we risk meeting our bacterial overlords. Bacteria are a bit like that clingy ex that just won’t let go – and if we manage pneumonia poorly, they could become resistant, which, believe me, is not a scenario you want on your 2025 bingo card.
And let’s not forget that pneumonia can sneak in and pretend to be the flu, which must be quite the identity crisis for both! Santiago highlights the symptoms overlap like family members at a funeral: influenza, mycoplasma, and the infamous Streptococcus pneumoniae all vying for attention. Just when you think you know who’s who, COVID decides to crash the party like an uninvited guest – a classic case of “surprise, it’s me again!”
Diagnosing pneumonia is like trying to pick your favorite child; there are different strains that can cause varying complications based on whether we’re dealing with viruses or bacteria. Santiago emphasizes that poor management equals bad news bears (or birds, or something akin to that). We could see bacterial resistance taking center stage by the year 2050, which sounds terrifying. By then, we could be fighting off bacteria that have formed their own resistance army with battle shields made of antibiotic capsules!
Impact of Prevention
Now, lo and behold, the latest stats from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography—212,404 deaths from January to March of 2024 alone, and oh dear, 11,098 of those were due to pneumonia and influenza. That’s enough to make even a comedian shed a tear (and let me tell you, we don’t cry unless it’s a really bad pun).
So what can health professionals do to help? Well, if you listen to Paula Santiago, it’s time for some serious community nursing practices as winter rolls in. Think of it as healthcare’s version of a winter wardrobe refresh, but with handwashing, oral hygiene, and the ever-important vaccination—like an overachieving student handing you a perfectly polished homework assignment! Because, honestly, folks, hand hygiene might not have the glamour of a glitzy red carpet event but is just as essential in keeping pneumonia at bay!
Let’s not forget about our vulnerable friends… yes, I mean the kiddos aged 0 to 5. The importance of completing their vaccination schedules against Haemophilus Influenzae is non-negotiable! Masks, handwashing, sneezing into the forearm – these aren’t just cool trends; they’re our secret weapons against the germ brigade sneaking around in the winter months!
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In conclusion, folks, pneumonia might be serious business, but managing it effectively is essential to prevent increased resistance. Keep those vaccines updated, wash your hands, and for the love of everything sane — avoid those germy handshakes this flu season! Stay healthy, stay happy, and remember, laughter is the best medicine… except when you have pneumonia—then it’s probably antibiotics.
=”justify”>To shed light on these pressing issues, we’re joined today by Rocío Valdez Labastida and Paula Santiago Martínez. Thank you both for being here.
Interview
Interviewer: Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is pneumonia, and why is it so concerning, especially in the context of World Pneumonia Day?
Rocío Valdez Labastida: Thank you for having us. Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection affecting the lungs. It can be caused by various pathogens—bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The concern lies not only in its severity but also its prevalence. It’s one of the leading causes of death worldwide, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Interviewer: And how does this relate to antimicrobial resistance?
Paula Santiago Martínez: Poor management of pneumonia can lead to antimicrobial resistance, which is a huge red flag. If we don’t diagnose and treat pneumonia correctly, bacteria can adapt and become resistant to antibiotics. This is alarming because, if we don’t change course, we could see a situation by 2050 where common bacterial infections become untreatable.
Interviewer: What role do vaccines play in preventing pneumonia?
Rocío: Vaccines are our frontline defense! In Mexico, we have effective vaccines included in the national immunization schedule to protect against pathogens that cause pneumonia. Vaccination helps reduce the incidence of severe disease and, consequently, the chances of developing resistance.
Interviewer: With World Flu Day coming up, how important is seasonal influenza vaccination in all of this?
Paula: It’s crucial! The overlap in symptoms between pneumonia and influenza can complicate diagnosis. Vaccination against seasonal influenza reduces the burden of both diseases, making it easier to manage pneumonia when it occurs. We encourage everyone to get vaccinated, particularly in the months leading up to winter.
Interviewer: Are there additional preventive measures you recommend?
Rocío: Absolutely! Besides vaccination, practices like proper hand hygiene, wearing masks, and maintaining good ventilation in living spaces are vital. These simple actions can significantly reduce the transmission of respiratory infections.
Interviewer: what message would you like to convey to our audience regarding pneumonia and antimicrobial resistance?
Paula: Educate yourself, get vaccinated, and seek timely medical attention if you or someone you know is symptomatic. Proper management and prevention can help curb the threat of antimicrobial resistance in our communities.
Rocío: Together, we can make a difference. Let’s stay vigilant this winter season, promote vaccinations, and take preventive actions seriously. Thank you for having us!
Interviewer: Thank you both for sharing your insights and emphasizing the importance of combating pneumonia and antimicrobial resistance. Let’s all do our part!
