Gac Med Mex
-
Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with muscle mass loss and cognitive function alteration. ⋯ Vitamin D did not have a positive influence on muscle mass. A better MMSE performance was observed in those with lower vitamin D levels.
-
Influenza is a costly disease for the population. It is a cause of seasonal morbidity and mortality, epidemics and pandemics or syndemics. Given the variability of the virus, surveillance systems are implemented in order to update the strains and include them in the annual influenza vaccine. This vaccine is currently recommended in some high-risk groups. However, universal vaccination remains controversial. To evaluate the evidence and describe the position of a panel of experts on the relevance of universal vaccination against influenza virus. ⋯ Vaccination, starting with vulnerable groups, is a necessary, ethical and cost-effective strategy. However, expanding the coverage to achieve universal vaccination could reduce the transmission of the disease and its consequences in the population.
-
In Mexico, there is a syndemic in pregnant women, where the epidemic of obesity and chronic diseases coexists with that of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has been associated with a higher risk of maternal mortality. ⋯ Comorbidities during pregnancy that are possibly associated with an increase in the inflammatory response and an alteration of the immune response increase the risk of maternal death from COVID-19 in Mexican pregnant women.
-
The pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which causes COVID-19, has deeply affected health systems and has had a significant impact on families, communities and nations. A comprehensive response strategy requires, in addition to epidemiological, scientific and technical considerations, for human suffering associated with disease, vulnerability and death not to be forgotten. Palliative care for people with suspicion or diagnosis of COVID-19 with serious evolution, and their families should also be a key part of organized actions that help alleviate suffering and improve quality of life by controlling symptoms, addressing psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs, support for advanced care planning and its goals, end-of-life care, as well as support in complex decision-making and ethical problems, among others. Recommendations are provided for offering palliative care in COVID-19 pandemic context.