12 Nov 65- On the occasion of World Pneumonia Day 2022, Vaccine Foundation for People, Department of Disease Control, National Vaccine Institute Pediatric Infectious Disease Association of Thailand Along with the private sector, press conference to prepare Thailand to prevent pneumonia after the epidemic of Covid-19. To raise awareness about pneumonia and campaign for immunization with vaccines to reduce the severity of disease and prevent death
Dr. Sophon Iamsirithavorn Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control stated that pneumonia is a global public health problem. It is the leading cause of death for young children and the elderly. More than 2 million children under 5 years of age die from the disease every year. In Thailand, pneumonia is the top 5 respiratory diseases that cause death every year and there is a tendency to increase the mortality rate from this disease. From the latest information on pneumonia It is still a disease that requires attention as it tends to increase in winter. Every year, winter illnesses such as influenza are increased after the rainy season, measles, viral diarrhea. Died from cold weather and pneumonia At the beginning of last year, the number of reported cases of pneumonia compared with the five-year median increased by 27,065 in September, and in October is expected to increase above the five-year median. will be infected by bacteria There are also factors from COVID-19. And the increase in influenza cases is also associated with the increase in pneumonia cases.
Dr. Sophon continued that during the period before the COVID-19 situation in 2017-26, there were more than 2.5 hundred thousand cases of pneumonia reported during the period of the Covid-19 epidemic year 2020-2022. The number of patients is less than 200,000 due to measures to wear masks, wash hands and social distancing. But on October 1, the Covid-19 disease, which is in a state of communicable disease, must be monitored. reduce the wearing of the mask people are traveling more May contribute to pneumonia may have a higher trend during the past 9 months from January to October 2022 in the group with a high rate of illness, namely 1. 0-4 year olds when compared with older children. 5-9 years, the morbidity rate is more than 1.5 times and the death rate is more than 3 times because it is the age that has not been strengthened immunity and 2. the elderly 65 years and over, where the death rate is mostly 65 years old. and over. The 5 provinces with the highest incidence rate were Saraburi, followed by Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Prachinburi and Mae Hong Son. At this time, the pathogens that cause the disease have not been clearly identified. The highest mortality rates in the five provinces were Samut Songkhram, Surat Thani, Chanthaburi, Phatthalung and Chonburi.
“We have closely monitored the situation of pneumonia patients. and ready to monitor the spread Including the campaign to strengthen immunity before the winter that may be a factor in the spread of the epidemic increases. Therefore, warnings have been issued to be careful of disease and health hazards to local authorities, such as 12 Disease Prevention and Control Offices and the Urban Disease Prevention and Control Institute. To prepare for care such as 1. Surveillance and follow up on the situation of disease in the area. In the event of an outbreak of communicable disease There is a Rapid Investigation Surveillance Team (SRRT) to conduct investigations, control and prevent, including communicating the risks to educate the public,” said Dr. Sophon, specifying guidelines for disease prevention.
On the side, Dr. Nakhon Premsri, director of the National Vaccine Institute Mention the directions for the use of vaccines. The pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines now, including the flu vaccine. Covid-19 vaccine That is an important tool to prevent infection. can reduce the severity of the disease. In 2023, Thailand will continue to offer free flu vaccination for children, the elderly and pregnant women. The COVID-19 vaccine It can be injected for free in all people in government hospitals across the country and there is enough.
Dr. Nakhon said that for the pneumococcal vaccine or pneumococcus vaccine Prepare plans to include in the list of basic vaccines for young children of the Ministry of Health. It is expected that it may be during the year 2024 to increase the chances of accessing essential vaccines for Thai children. Other vaccines non-covid-19 vaccine in normal conditions according to the immunization plan It is assessed by the burden of disease, i.e. the number of cases, the cause of the virus that causes the disease. in order to be worthwhile to use
Assoc. Prof. (Special) Dr. Tawee Chotiphitayasunont qualified National Vaccine Board Added to the factors that cause pneumonia that come from many factors Both respiratory infections, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, most of which are caused by pneumococcus bacteria (Streptococcus pneumonia), which are found predominantly during the rainy season and winter. like a cold The virus may not immediately reach the lungs. But most of them cause roughness of the upper airway, causing the old bacteria to settle in the throat and down to the lungs. causing pneumonia, etc., or having a joint disease Whether diabetes, high blood pressure, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, including dusty environments that can stimulate the infection to be stronger and when it occurs in young children under 5 years of age, it is at the highest risk of death in the world. if left untreated Symptoms may spread into the bloodstream or brain. causing meningitis and death
Assoc. Prof. (Special) Dr. Tawee said that the cause of infection such as breathing in the infection directly into the lungs. diffusion through the bloodstream Choking on food or by exposure to secretions by a mixed person will include fever, cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. as well as may have symptoms of depression For the protection method is Regularly wash your hands, clean and take care of hygiene. Avoid going to crowded places. avoid air pollution And most importantly, the flu vaccination. or the COVID-19 vaccine to boost immunity towards the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality from pneumonia
