As it is common in Costa Rica, the end of the year comes with a dangerous influenza virus; according to the Ministry of Health in the last six weeks there have been ten reported deaths caused by it.

The types of influenza viruses present in the country are the A (H1N1) and A (H3N2).

The presence of risk factors generates complications in those patients affected by the virus, eight out of the ten deceased patients presented risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, lung cancer, smoking, cardiopathy, prematurity, infants under 3 years of age, patients over 65 years of age, high blood pressure, among others.

None of the victims had been vaccinated against the influenza virus.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health informed that 1.8 million vaccines had been purchased at this point and since May they have been promoting vaccination, to the date 1,081,021 vaccines have been applied. “This allows us to be better prepared to face this peak, but all families and people should be reinforcing preventive measures, especially those that have risk factors”, commented Fernando Llorca, Health Minister.

Washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose with your forearm when sneezing, avoiding massive events if you have cold symptoms, and not smoking are among the recommendations given by the health authorities.

“Viruses circulate all year round, which is why washing your hands and sneezing or coughing properly should be permanent habits” added Dr. Daniel Salas.