In addition to the chin
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, 2025-06-18 10:43:00 – With winter’s chill arriving, health officials are strongly recommending the use of face coverings in hospitals, clinics, and city offices to combat the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19, pneumonia, and influenza.
Face masks are making a comeback as a key preventative measure against the seasonal surge in respiratory illnesses.
- Face coverings are now highly recommended in healthcare settings.
- Health officials emphasize handwashing and vaccination.
- There is no outbreak, but there is an increase in respiratory illnesses.
the renewed emphasis on face coverings signals a proactive approach to health,with many healthcare professionals stating that protection is now mandatory. This is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for preventative measures.
A city health professional reported that the area of Infectology of Medical Services is demanding the constant use of face coverings to combat respiratory viruses like COVID, pneumonia, or influenza.
doctors attribute this emphasis on protection to the start of winter and the typical drop in temperatures.
Why Winter? Respiratory viruses tend to thrive in colder temperatures and lower humidity,making winter months a prime season for transmission.
“The truth is that in the seasonal era, viruses are transmissible by drops. Given this, as in all winters, the use of the chin, hand washing and continue with the vaccination of the staff is recommended. The latter is vital because professionals can get other patients already our families,” said Raquel Sarobe, infectologist and associated director of the San Juan de Dios Hospital.
Jorge Mazzone, president of District I of the College of Physicians of the Province of Buenos Aires, also weighed in. “We have an indication of use of all security mechanisms,such as the use of the chinstone within the entire protective equipment and hand washing.”
The Ministry of Health of the Buenos Aires territory detailed that “like all winters, it is recommended to use chins for those who are more exposed or have more risks.”
There is No Outbreak
The increasing use and recommendation of face coverings is noticeable, notably for those seeking treatment in health centers.
Mazzone’s Viewpoint: “The pandemic was not a transitory fact. It left its sequel, and there is great sensitivity about the use of the chin.” This highlights the lasting impact of the pandemic on public health practices.
Mazzone emphasized, “The pandemic was not a transitory fact. It left its sequel, and there is great sensitivity about the use of the chin.”
Both doctors suggest avoiding the term “outbreak,” a term that gained traction in recent weeks.
“There is no outbreak. You have to be careful with the information. After the pandemic and quarantine by Coronavirus, there is an established sensitivity,” Sarobe said, stressing, “We have no numbers that tell us that we are in a context of outbreak.”
The health portfolio reinforced this stance: “outbreaks there is no. But increase in all respiratory diseases, like all winters, some more virulent than others.” They added, “From the circulation of viruses – which can be many – to be an outbreak (a critical flu situation that impacts the guards and the beds of a hospital), there is a field of distance.”
According to official data from the latest epidemiological bulletin from buenos Aires Health, “since the second week of March 2025, a support in the number of influenza cases is recorded in Argentina.” The report estimates, “This behavior represents an advanced seasonal ascent compared to previous years, with the exception of 2022.” The study also reflected, “Between January and early June 2025, a total of 14,319 cases of bronchiolitis, 143,680 cases of influenza type disease and 17,379 cases of pneumonies were notified.”
The Need for Prevention
The use of face coverings is just one recommendation among many that are considered unavoidable. “In the seasonal era, the strategy is prevention. To the use of the chin, frequent hand washing, ventilation of environments,” said Raquel Sarobe.
Easy Steps to Stay Healthy:
- Wear face coverings in crowded or healthcare settings.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Ensure good ventilation in indoor spaces.
She also pointed out the importance of the vaccination campaign: “Along with having the full vaccination calendar, it is essential to apply the COVID vaccine, the influenza virus and the anti pneumocoxics, which fights pneumonia.”
Another protective measure, linked to the recent pandemic, is isolation. “When a patient is in an infectious picture,isolation and separation in workplaces is essential to avoid infection,” Mazzone said,adding,”One of the usual problems is that people are getting sick to work,move thru transport and flu is like a drop of oil in the water: it is expanding.”
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Beyond Face Coverings: A holistic Approach to Respiratory Health
As Buenos Aires navigates its seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses,the emphasis remains firmly on prevention,as detailed by health professionals like Dr. Raquel Sarobe [[1]]. While face coverings are a key component of this, they are just one piece of a larger puzzle.A multifaceted approach, incorporating various preventative measures, is essential to safeguarding public health during this period.
beyond face coverings,what other actions can you take to stay healthy? Vaccination is vital,alongside hand hygiene and proper ventilation. These are all critical to managing respiratory illnesses during the winter season.
Vaccination: Your Strongest Defense
Vaccination is a cornerstone of preventing severe illness from influenza, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Dr. Sarobe specifically highlights the importance of keeping up-to-date with recommended vaccines [[1]].This includes the annual flu shot, COVID-19 boosters, and pneumococcal vaccines, particularly for those at higher risk. These vaccines help to protect against severe symptoms, hospitalization, and complications that can arise from contracting these respiratory illnesses.
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