Acute respiratory tract infection consultations increased last week – Spain

The incidence of acute gastroenteritis continues to be high, reaching 425 cases

The epidemiological report published by the Institute of Public and Occupational Health of Navarra (ISPLN) for the week of November 13 to 19 states that the number of visits for acute respiratory infections in primary care is at a “high and stable” level.

There are 642 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, of which only 22 per 100,000 are influenza syndrome and 33 per 100,000 are COVID-19.

Eight people have been hospitalized with covid-19. Nine cases of influenza have been confirmed this week: eight cases of influenza A (H1N1) and one case of influenza A (H3N2). Three of the cases required hospitalization. Respiratory syncytial virus transmission has increased, but at a low level, with 16 confirmed cases and 10 hospitalizations.

High circulation of rhinoviruses, and to a lesser extent other viruses such as adenovirus and parainfluenza viruses, is found in patients with acute respiratory infections.

As of November 19, 125,577 doses of influenza vaccine and 94,347 doses of covid-19 vaccine have been recorded. The influenza vaccine has indications and covers more people than the COVID-19 vaccine.

To avoid serious cases of respiratory viral diseases in vulnerable groups (infants, elderly or people with chronic diseases) and those around them, ISPLN recommends preventive measures such as vaccination against Covid-19 and influenza, physical distancing, use of masks and adequate ventilation.

Recommendations for preventing respiratory infections in infants

Some respiratory infections caused by bacteria and viruses may be more serious in newborns and infants because of their immature respiratory and immune systems.

To prevent these infections, public health authorities recommend washing your hands with soap and water when holding, feeding or touching your baby; washing items that your baby will come into contact with; and the minimum number of people needed to touch or be within 2 meters of your baby. People with respiratory symptoms (cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, etc.) should avoid getting close to the baby. When in doubt, use a mask.

Likewise, he noted that breastfeeding protects against respiratory syncytial virus. Likewise, it recommends avoiding exposing babies to smoke, especially tobacco smoke. Minors or adults with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should not attend day care centers, nurseries or activities with other minors.

The incidence of acute gastroenteritis remains high

The number of acute gastroenteritis cases continues to remain high, with 425 cases reported in primary care last week. There are various causative factors, mainly viruses.

Recommendations for preventing and controlling gastroenteritis include: practicing good hand hygiene regularly and always after using the toilet and before eating or handling food; Children with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis should not attend day care until symptoms have completely resolved .

Additionally, people with symptoms of acute gastroenteritis should avoid handling food or cooking for others until symptoms completely resolve.

Overall mortality rate in Navarra

There were 105 deaths recorded in the week of November 6-12 (complete data was available last week), a value “within what would be expected for this time of year”.