From today, the Community of Madrid recommends the use of masks in residences to increase the protection of the elderly against the flu, as they are the most vulnerable people. This recommendation will be extended from this Monday, December 15 to all … hospitals and health centers.
This measure is taken by the Ministry of Health and after reaching this Thursday 277 infections per 100,000 inhabitants, with a forecast of an increase in transmission for at least the next two weeks. This is why the Regional Executive recalls the importance for all people with respiratory symptoms to wear a mask when on public transport or in spaces such as shopping centers, or when in the presence of a vulnerable population. This advice is part of the set of new measures to prevent and control the transmission of the virus designed by the General Directorate of Public Health, which also includes the vaccination of all residents and workers of these social and health centers to whom this vaccination has not yet been administered.
Regarding the use of surgical masks, the Madrid government advises all elderly people living in residences with respiratory symptoms to do so when in common areas with other residents. Likewise, it is indicated, at all times and within these premises, to the staff of these resources and to visitors, even if they do not present symptoms.
Hygiene measures in residences include frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or with a hydroalcoholic solution, particularly before and after contact with people with respiratory symptoms. Likewise, use disposable tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. They should not be reused and, if not available, they should be covered with the forearm.
To avoid new influenza infections, Public Health includes measures on the environment of these social and health resources: frequent cleaning of surfaces (tables, door handles, handrails, elevator buttons, devices commonly used in gymnasiums and play centers, etc.) and frequent ventilation of common areas, before and after carrying out activities. The Community of Madrid also recommends that there be no more than one visitor per resident at the same time, with the aim of avoiding the spread of influenza among the elderly due to the high circulation of the virus and which, until now, mainly affects children under 14 years old.
Vaccination continues in Zendal
Furthermore, the Enfermera Isabel Zendal public hospital in the capital has been authorized, since November 28, to serve as a flu vaccination point for adults, without appointment, from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., without interruption, from Monday to Friday. Vaccination is particularly aimed at people over 60, workers in the health and social sector and chronic patients, but it is also recommended for pregnant women; patients with chronic cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and diabetic pathologies; caregivers of vulnerable people; smokers and early childhood teachers. In the case of the population under 18 years of age, it must continue to be carried out in health centers.
The Community of Madrid reiterates that vaccination remains the most effective measure to avoid serious complications of influenza and that all people with respiratory symptoms must take extreme precautions to stop the transmission of the virus.
About The Author
