Flu and COVID-19 increase over Christmas

Respiratory infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are experiencing a resurgence in the run-up to Christmas. Experts consulted by Newtral.es say the cold and lack of ventilation in closed spaces have contributed to the spread of these diseases in recent weeks, which is normal for this time of year.

According to data from the Carlos III Health Institute, hospitalization rates for acute respiratory infections due to influenza and COVID-19 are increasing in week 50 of 2023 (December 11-17, just after the Constitution Bridge).

• Since week 47 (November 21-28), influenza hospitalization rates have increased from less than 1 per 100,000 residents to 2.9 per 100,000 residents. The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations has also increased since the end of November: from less than 1 to 1.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. At the same time, the number of hospitalized patients with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is on the rise.

However, the number of cases has not yet exceeded that of last winter, although experts consulted remain cautious and warn that the infection season has only just begun: the peak will be reached in the following January and February.

this triple epidemic: Influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus

Around Christmas last year, I received a call triple epidemic —Influenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus emerged at the same time – spreading strongly in Spain and elsewhere around the world. The cause was attributed to “immunity debt,” as immunologist Matilde Cañelles of the Superior Council for Scientific Research (CSIC) recalls. That said, because people have less natural exposure to pathogens during the pandemic, such infections hit harder when containment measures like masks are no longer available.

This year’s triple epidemic It is repeated again that, in Caneles’ view, it can no longer be attributed to the immunity debt we paid last year, but can be attributed to COVID-19. “It’s a bit worrying,” said the CSIC immunologist. “We’ve stopped implementing all containment measures like masks or social distancing, and people are spreading COVID-19 unknowingly,” he explained. “Because SARS-CoV-2 is not just another respiratory virus, it’s very harmful to the body. There are other effects, so people are more susceptible to other illnesses, which may be why so many hospitalizations occur.”

Changes in viral circulation: SARS-CoV-2 is here to stay

However, in addition to the different hypotheses explaining the spread of respiratory diseases such as influenza around Christmas, it is clear that there is another pathogen in the circulation: SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the new coronavirus. “Another virus is introduced into this, and that’s influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and common coronaviruses that cause colds,” Canelles said.

“SARS-CoV-2 is yet another long-standing pathogen that, in my opinion, is the worst because it generates so many variants that render people defenseless and cause health impacts that are more severe than those caused by influenza. Serious,” CSIC experts insisted.

Dr. Javier Membrillo, vice president and spokesman of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), said, “Respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 have not become more infectious. Aggression.” Higher respiratory infection rates in recent years are partly due to increased diagnostic efforts and greater awareness of the coronavirus. “We are more aware of the diseases around us, but they are not more frequent or more severe,” he assured Newtral.es.

The problem, according to Dr. José Marra Morero, spokesman for the Infectious Disease Working Group of the Spanish Association of Family and Community Medicine, is that this Christmas, “we are recovering viruses other than influenza and COVID-19, which are already here. , but they are regulated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which imposes itself and prevents the development of other diseases,” he explained to Newtral.es. Although they are not more aggressive, lack of exposure to these cold viruses may lead to more severe symptoms of these illnesses.

Masks are key to reducing infection

For Cañelles, the solution to avoiding flu and coronavirus cases over Christmas is prevention. Prevention is a measure we have learned to use during the pandemic. “What everyone should do is always wear a mask, and if you hear a cough, put it on.” Experts from China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation said that only this measure can alleviate the problem of a new wave of epidemics that is brewing.

Dr. Mambrillo expressed his views in the same way. “Unlike influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory viruses, COVID-19 is a virus that does not exhibit seasonal manifestations,” he explained.

“Whether we get a diagnosis or not, and whether we know which virus causes a cold, the most important thing is that we maintain precautions to avoid spreading the disease to others: wash your hands frequently, wear a mask or cover up when you cough Stay,” he advised.