To avoid complications in the event of a COVID-19 infection, people with chronic conditions must maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, follow medical recommendations, adhere to treatment and continue to observe sanitary measures.
(MEXICO CITY – IMSS).- Dr. Carlos Benito Armenta Hernández, Head of the Life Cycle Promotion and Education Area, in the Health Promotion Division, explained that people with diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, cancer, kidney failure or liver disease, HIV/AIDS and lung diseases such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are more susceptible to serious illness if get infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
He added that the risk of having complications increases in adults over 60 years of age and older, as well as in other age groups with these chronic conditions, including some situations that can weaken the immune system such as in the case of transplants, oncological treatments or use of medications that weaken the body’s defenses.
For this reason, he stressed that people with these health conditions should eat a balanced diet and perform physical activity or exercise according to medical indications, to strengthen their body and reduce possible risks of contagion because the pandemic is still in force.
The specialist assigned to the Coordination of First Level Units, reiterated that people with chronic conditions should seek spaces with good ventilation, avoid crowds and closed places as additional prevention measures.
He said that those who have COVID-19, as well as the people who care for them, should be alert to warning signs such as difficulty breathing, pain or tightness in the chest, confusion or inability to wake up or stay awake and seek care in the Emergency Department of the IMSS, where the safety and hygiene protocols for beneficiaries and health personnel are carried out.
Dr. Armenta Hernández reiterated the recommendation that people with chronic illnesses continue the established treatment, confidently go to the Family Medicine Units for control and surveillance, or if they need medical attention, since there are filters in entrances and all prevention and containment measures for COVID-19.
He reiterated that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is an important preventive measure against the disease, in addition to carrying out all other preventive actions to avoid contagion.
He indicated that in case of coughing or sneezing, the etiquette technique should be practiced (with a mask inside the inner angle of the elbow) or use a disposable handkerchief which should be thrown into a garbage can with a lid and then wash your hands, when greeting avoid contact, remembering that a “hello” is enough, frequently clean surfaces for common use, get vaccinated and have the reinforcement if you are part of risk groups, avoid gatherings, to stay only with the people who live in your house, keep spaces ventilated and to avoid closed and crowded places.
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