The Ministry of Health (Minsa) reiterated this Tuesday a direct call to the population: get vaccinated against the flu and not let your guard down against respiratory viruses that continue to circulate in the country.
The warning comes in a context where Panama has not registered cases of the A(H3N2), subtype K variant, but it does maintain active surveillance. Health authorities clarified that this variant, detected in Europe and the Americas, is not a new virus and does not represent a pandemic.
It is a seasonal virus that can be more contagious, but it does not present high levels of severity or lethality, as long as it is detected in time and the population is vaccinated.
The General Director of Public Health, Yelkys Gil, explained that two weeks ago a circular was issued to all health regions to reinforce early diagnosis, identify warning signs, and guarantee timely care, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions.
Gil emphasized that vaccination continues to be the main prevention tool, as it significantly reduces hospitalizations and complications associated with the flu.
The head of the Minsa Epidemiology Department, Blas Armién, reported that 1,280,982 doses of the flu vaccine have already been applied in the country, which has helped decrease severe cases.
The figures reflect a worrying reality: 97 people have died from the flu, of which 85% were not vaccinated and 90% had previous health conditions.
Faced with this scenario, Minsa insists on basic but necessary measures: do not self-medicate, go to health centers at the first symptoms, use a mask when respiratory conditions appear, avoid crowds, maintain proper hand hygiene, and reinforce self-care, especially to protect the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
The flu vaccine is available free of charge in all health centers and policenters of the Metropolitan Region, San Miguelito, North Panama, Colón, and Coclé.
The message is clear: prevention is not alarm, it is responsibility, and getting vaccinated continues to be a decision that can make a difference.
