Covid and Flu May Activate Cancerous Cells in Lungs: Specialist Reveals

MEXICO CITY (apro).- Recent research involving mice and observational studies in humans have shown that COVID-19 and Influenza could activate dormant metastatic or cancerous cells in the lungs. Diana Vilar-Compte, the coordinator of Hospital Epidemiology in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the National Cancer Institute (INCan), emphasized the importance of vaccination against these viruses.

During the discussion “Vaccination, a roadmap for health,” the expert highlighted the necessity of administering vaccines to individuals suffering from prevalent chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s.

For instance, she mentioned that vaccines could prevent infections from the Human Papillomavirus, thereby reducing the risk of cervical, oral, rectal, and vaginal cancers. Additionally, the Hepatitis B vaccine can reduce the risk of liver cancer by up to 75%.

The event took place on Tuesday morning, organized by the Mexican Association for the Fight Against Cancer (AMLCC), the Mexican Diabetes Federation, and the Mexican Alzheimer’s Federation. The aim was to remind the public that “vaccination is a lifelong necessity.”

It was reported there that only 6.68% of adults and elderly in Mexico have a complete vaccination schedule, as evidenced by their National Health Card or other proof, according to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT) 2021-2023.

This percentage is significantly lower compared to the ENSANUT 2012 data, where 17.7% of adults and elderly had verified vaccination schedules.

Impacts on Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Alexandra Martin-Onraët, an infectious disease specialist and internal medicine expert at InNCan, pointed out that vaccination plays a role in the development of Dementia and Alzheimer’s and reduces complications in people with risk factors.

The specialist reinforced several points about vaccination:

• Cancer is not a contraindication for vaccinating patients
• Vaccines are safe, even for patients with weakened immune systems
• Vaccines are effective, even in individuals with compromised immunity
• Vaccination contributes to herd or community immunity
• Vaccinating family members protects those with some form of immunosuppression

The specialist explained that each individual develops a unique immunological signature for life, which contributes to healthy aging. Therefore, she reiterated the key message: “vaccination should occur annually because viruses mutate and evolve.”

She also warned that failing to vaccinate could lead to several issues:

• Increased frequency of illness
• Higher risk of complications
• Greater chance of long-term consequences
• More prolonged infections

Arturo Galindo Fraga, Deputy Director of Hospital Epidemiology and Quality Control of Medical Care at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition “Salvador Zubirán” (INCMNSZ), stated that the National Medical Care Protocols (PRONAMs) are the “minimum” standard for the care of all Mexican citizens.

Lastly, Mayra Galindo, the general director of the AMLCC, described vaccination as a “collective construction of new forms of care throughout life,” highlighting the importance of dispelling myths and understanding the realities surrounding vaccination.

She emphasized that “anyone living with a chronic disease should undoubtedly be vaccinated.”

Since mid-October, the Ministry of Health (SSA) has launched the National Vaccination Campaign for the winter season, which includes vaccinations against COVID-19, Influenza, and Pneumococcus.