Respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States and Puerto Rico. Preventive measures exist to protect yourself and others from the health risks caused by respiratory viruses.
The group that suffers the most complications and mortality is older adults. In Puerto Rico, vaccination coverage has become more accessible through health insurance plans, including the Vital plan. We have thousands of medical and pharmaceutical professionals who can vaccinate you today, without a prescription or referral, at convenient times and very close to you.
Consult your pharmacist or doctor and get vaccinated because breathing is VITAL.
Learn about preventable respiratory diseases
A highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is transmitted from person to person through droplets that are dispersed when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
It is a contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and in some cases the lungs.
COVID-19
Even if you have been vaccinated before, the effectiveness of the vaccine decreases over time.
COVID-19, also called coronavirus disease 2019, is a disease caused by a virus.
The virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2, or, more commonly, SARS-CoV-2. It began to spread in late 2019 and became a pandemic disease in 2020.
Currently, it is an endemic disease in our country.
PNEUMOCOCCAL PNEUMONIA
Pneumococcal bacteria are the leading cause of pneumonia in adults.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by a bacterium that causes serious diseases such as meningitis, bacteremia or pneumonia (invasive diseases), as well as less serious but more common diseases such as sinusitis or otitis media (non-invasive diseases).
Pneumococcal bacteria are the leading cause of pneumonia in adults. These bacteria are highly resistant to antibiotics.
RSV
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
It causes cold-like symptoms in adults; however, in vulnerable adults it can lead to lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia.
In addition, it can aggravate diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and even cardiac complications; for example, congestive heart failure.
Where can I get vaccinated?
To succeed in our efforts to gain access to vaccines:
If you have a private health plan, you should contact customer service and ask your health plan if it covers you and what network of pharmacies or clinics are contracted to provide that service.
If you have a VITAL plan, it will depend on your age group:
Children aged 0 to 18 years must attend a Vaccine For Children center, which can be found in Primary Health Care clinics or private vaccination clinics. See the list here.
If you are 19 or older: See the list here
If you have Medicare or Medicare Advantage, you should call your medical plan and ask what your coverage is and what network of pharmacies or clinics are contracted to provide you with service.
Do I need a prescription or medical referral to get vaccinated?
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You no longer need a prescription; consult your pharmacist.
Methods of keeping your areas clean of viruses.
Cleaning and Disinfection
Cleaning and disinfection are important measures to maintain a healthy environment and prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, which are mostly transmitted from person to person or by droplets that fall on surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a number of effective practices to achieve proper hygiene in different environments.
At home
Regular cleaning with warm water and soap is sufficient to kill most germs in domestic spaces such as doorknobs, tables, and countertops.
For harder, more difficult-to-clean hard surfaces, a disinfectant cleaner based on
chlorine or alcohol.
In medical facilities
Medical facilities require rigorous cleaning and disinfection to prevent the spread of disease.
The CDC recommends using chlorine- or alcohol-based disinfectants for hard surfaces and using soap and water for soft surfaces such as beds, chairs, and other items.
In workplaces
Cleaning and disinfection are essential in workplaces to maintain a healthy and safe environment.
The CDC recommends performing these activities frequently on common surfaces such as desks, keyboards, and phones. It is essential to follow the instructions on the labels of cleaning and disinfecting products to use them safely and correctly.
It is important to use gloves and other personal protective equipment, such as masks, during the deeper cleaning and disinfection process to avoid any irritation.
Handwashing
Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Learn about when and how to wash your hands properly.
When to wash your hands
Contact with other people, surfaces, and objects throughout the day causes germs to accumulate on the hands.
You can become infected with these microorganisms by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, or transmit them to other people.
While it is impossible for hands to be germ-free, washing them frequently with soap and water can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes.
Important
To avoid the spread of viruses or bacteria through contaminated objects or surfaces, frequently clean and disinfect all items that come into contact with your hands.
Cleaning and disinfection steps
Clean with soap and water, then dry the object or surface.
Disinfect with a cloth or disposable paper, moistened with common disinfectant, household bleach or 70% or 90% alcohol.
Make sure you have natural ventilation while cleaning and disinfecting.
Do not overuse disinfectant in quantity or frequency to avoid poisoning.
Do not combine cleaning and disinfecting products.
After completing the cleaning and disinfection, clean the utensils and wash your hands with soap and water.
