Euskadi expects the peak of the flu to occur next week, as the flu traditionally peaks around mid-January, after Three Kings Day. The epidemiological curve continues to rise due to the social interactions of Christmas celebrations. The wave of respiratory viruses intensified in December, with few families spared due to epidemics of influenza, COVID-19 and syncytial virus (RSV). However, Osakidza admitted that despite the increase in “hospitalisations”, medical services were not at capacity. “We have contingency plans to guarantee greater care needs if necessary,” said Health Minister Gotzone Sagardui.
This is the so-called triple epidemic that emerged last year and is happening again this Christmas. Last season, around this time, the triple pandemic—influenza, coronavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus all at once—dealt a fatal blow. Well, the reason is that people are less naturally exposed to pathogens during a pandemic. Additionally, containment measures such as masks have prevented serious spread of such infections.
The bridge, the delicate moment
But the fact is that acute respiratory infections (ARI) cause large gatherings of healthcare workers every winter. Among such diseases, in addition to the new coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus in minors, influenza virus and adenovirus in adults are also prominent.
There was a delicate moment during the Immaculate Conception Bridge, when some Basque hospitals experienced noticeable congestion. Councilor Sagardui pointed out that “their predictions are a bit ahead of their time.” However, he assured that these were “concrete issues” and said the situation in health centers and hospitals “enables us to adequately treat everyone”.
Osakidza also saw a significant increase in cases in the week before Christmas Eve and continued increases in influenza transmission. The incidence of SARS-Cov-2 has also increased, while bronchiolitis diagnosis and RSV testing have decreased. The incidence of ARI (acute respiratory infection) in primary care networks is close to 600 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. A far cry from the numbers seen in other communities that have topped 1,000 cases.
The evolution of the data is astounding. In early December, the number of cases fluctuated between 200 and 800 in all autonomous regions, but never exceeded the upper limit of 1,000. Within days, however, the effects of influenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus took their toll. Moreover, according to the report of the Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (Sivira) for week 51 (December 18-24), the infection rate was 908 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with 806 cases per 100,000 inhabitants the previous week. The largest increase was for influenza (25% positivity rate), which was almost double that of COVID-19 (13.6%).
be careful
Joan Carles March, a doctor and expert in preventive medicine and public health, said the number of infections has increased by more than 30%. “But January, especially the second or third week, is typically the classic time for the biggest increase in cases.” Regarding the collapse of health care services, he assured that “our primary care is very saturated, which leads to people going to hospital for emergencies.” Cases The numbers have increased, but that’s normal at this time, with colds, lots of social contact, and interactions between family and friends. That’s why it’s more contagious.” Another factor also stands out. “The biggest increase is in influenza A, not COVID-19. The rest of the respiratory infections are following the same path.”
The expert is convinced that viruses move between each other. “We have more influenza than coronavirus because influenza viruses are more virulent right now. During the pandemic, for example, that space has been taken over by coronavirus,” he said.
He believes that surveillance by the authorities is crucial, as is preventive measures taken by the public. “The key is prevention. If we are infected with influenza A or COVID-19, we must wear a mask and wash our hands frequently,” he said.