The SEIMC recalls that it is necessary to be vaccinated every year from seasonal flu.

-Vaccination is recommended primarily to people who have a greater risk of complications if suffering from influenza

Madrid, October of 2011- the Spanish society of infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), which brings together the vast majority of clinical microbiologists and infectious disease specialists Spanishrecommends seasonal flu vaccination each year. The objectives of the strategy of vaccination are: reduce morbidity and mortality, reduce transmission of the virus in the community, and protect the integrity of the health system of our country.

Influenza is a disease transmitted person to person by respiratory droplets produced by coughing and sneezing, or even to speak. Less frequently flu can be transmitted through contact with surfaces or objects with presence of the virus and subsequent inoculation to play your own mouth or nose. Most people could infect others from 1 day prior to the onset of influenza symptoms until 5 to 7 days after the start of them.

The best way to prevent disease is through vaccination. it is recommended primarily to people who have an increased risk of complications in case of suffering from the flu, which can transmit the disease to others who are at high risk of complications and those which, by their occupation, provide essential services in the community.

According to Dr. Elisa Cordero, Member of the SEIMC: immunization coverage of last year in Spain in over 65 years of age was 59.9%. It is desirable to increase this proportion, especially if we bear in mind that 85% of patients who presented a picture of severe influenza requiring hospitalization last year was not vaccinated, while in the vast majority of these patients, the vaccine was recommended by belonging to any of the groups at risk ”.

All experts agree that after pandemic produced in 2009 by infection with the influenza virus A (H1N1) it has shown that some diseases, such as morbid obesity, that were not previously included in high-risk groups, have a greater number of complications arising from influenza infection, so also are within risk groups that currently are recommended vaccination.

The population groups who recommends influenza vaccination are:
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-older than 6 months with chronic diseases or some type of immunodeficiency
-65
-women pregnant
-professionals who provide essential community services
-people who work or live with people at high risk for complications by the flu.

How to prevent contagion

To prevent the contagion is recommended to avoid contact with sick people. Likewise it is recommended that people with influenza remain at home instead of going to school or work as long as the disease. It is advisable to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneezes. They should wash hands frequently using water and SOAP or alcohol solution. It is necessary to avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.

In addition to all this Dr. Jordi Carratalà, Member of the SEIMC recommends: ” lead a healthy lifestyle, sleeping on a daily basis the necessary hours, practicing physical activity according to age and maintaining a rich and varied diet as well as an abundant intake of fluids ”.

About the SEIMC

The Spanish society of infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) is a scientific society that brings together professionals working in the field of Infectious Pathology, both from a clinical point of view the etiologic diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infectious processes.

The fundamental purpose of the SEIMC is the promote, encourage and disseminate the study and research of infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, in terms of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control is concerned, as well as in their interrelations.

Currently with more than 2,360 partners, more than 1,500 correspond to the section of clinical microbiology and nearly 1,150 to that of diseases infectious.