Coronavirus and flu cases surge

Another winter passed and it almost became a tradition; COVID-19 cases are growing exponentially again.But what is not normal is what Spain has been experiencing for weeks a hitherto unknown term, triple epidemic.

Despite the severe impact of the infection in March 2020, which resulted in people being forced into isolation, the term has not been used in recent years and is now repeated in the media and healthcare.

It’s a cocktail that has triggered infections with different types of viruses in Spain. Novel coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases This often causes bronchiolitis.

During this period, it seems that this is no coincidence Christmas dates, family gatherings, gatherings with friends, days of minimal social distancingcitizens became infected again, leading to the collapse of some medical centers in different parts of the country.

Positive rate rises

It’s hard not to know someone close to you who has had a bad case of the flu in recent weeks. According to official data from the Ministry of Health, the positivity rate has rebounded.

weekly report Sentinel surveillance of acute respiratory infections in primary care (ARI) and hospitals (SARI): influenza, COVID-19, and RSV ISCIII, part of the Ministry of Health, collected data for the week of Christmas Eve and shows, Worrying increase in respiratory infections.

Within 7 days, the interest rate has exceeded Cases per 100,000 inhabitants increased from 532 to 908.Reflected in Influenza syndrome rates show ‘upward fluctuation’where the proportion of positives increased from 20% to 25%.

For COVID-19, this has increased from 12.6% to 13.6%. Although the same report showed a slight rebound in infections, 98.5% of influenza viruses detected were identified as type A.

Still, experts recognize the figures are similar to those recorded for Christmas in other years.Óscar Zurriaga, president of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology (SEE), assured EFE a few days ago that “our situation is certainly not higher than before the pandemic”, arguing that the situation now is A “relatively normal” season.

“We are at a point where the epidemiological curve is rising,” he explained, before emphasizing that the peak would come after the celebration of the Three Wise Men.He argued for this Masks, something “should not be thrown away” when symptoms appear And recognize that getting vaccinated is “always a good idea.”

In regions such as the Autonomous Community of Madrid, they are already anticipating some figures until the last week of 2023. The latest epidemiological report from the Madrid Ministry of Health shows a 27.7% increase in COVID-19 cases. 84.64% of people diagnosed with influenza.

On the positive side of the data provided by the District Executive, the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infections in primary care fell compared with the previous week, with figures for bronchitis/bronchiolitis in children under 0-4 falling by 37.4%.

Madrid Health Minister Fatima Matut assured on Tuesday, after a visit to the Summa112 coordination center at the Zendal hospital, that the incidence of coronavirus is stable and that the influenza epidemic “Not more serious or in need of income“.

“They are increasing but not enough to cause a breakdown in normal hospital services. We have stepped up them because staff are on holiday and they are also contracting respiratory infections. This holiday season we are controlling for these variables.“, he pointed out.

‘A terrible last week’

Some health unions have made their voices heard due to the impact on some hospital centres. In the case of Madrid, the CCOO denounced the pressure on one of the region’s hospitals, the Prince of Asturias University Hospital.

They criticized the hospital center for significant differences compared with a hospital located 17 minutes’ drive away in Guadalajara province, such as working 35 hours a day and sending medical staff to the city of Castilla-Manchego.

Ainara López, prevention representative at the CCOO of the Prince of Asturias University Hospital, recognized that “We had a bad last week“The problem is that the urgency is in the corridors, that is, when there is no space to serve people,” he detailed.

They didn’t have “physical beds” and “they were left on chairs to queue up.” “There were about 20 people in the emergency room waiting for a bed. They didn’t get a doctor’s attention for up to eight hours. It’s already overflowing“, Add to.

In addition to medical stress, we must also increase the number of employees taking sick days due to the same illness. Ainara López explained that after speaking with management, they were told that the Madrid Health Directorate “rejects requests for additional contracts to strengthen” as some workers redouble their efforts. “We are going through a chaotic situation” he warned.

Antigen test sales triple

This happened last Christmas and it will be no less this year. The rise in flu and COVID-19 cases over Christmas has many people deciding to visit a pharmacy for a rapid test.

To find out what disease they have, these agencies sell antigen tests developed in all autonomous regions.

According to data from consulting firm IQVIA held by EFE, purchases tripled to more than 1 million units compared with figures for the first week of December.

Antigen test sales were about 300,000 in November, but began to surge during the December long weekend, with 500,000 tests distributed the week of Dec. 11.

The increase is due to “people becoming more accustomed to living with the virus and viewing the disease as less lethal,” according to documents obtained by EFE.

They affect adults and children more

Fatima Matut recalled that there were two main vulnerable groups for all respiratory infections: the elderly and children. “They are the most contagious and may have more severe symptoms.“, he emphasized.

The health minister wants to remember that this is a space case for the elderly because “Respiratory tract infections may lead to imbalances in other underlying diseases

“.

He defended: “They are the ones who most need us to care for and protect through vaccines, but also need us to maintain hygiene measures, wash hands frequently, wear masks for those with symptoms, not interact with other family members, especially the most vulnerable members) interact.”

The call for protection through flu vials was also used on Tuesday by Catalina Madueño, Minister of Health and Consumer Affairs of the Andalusian government. He encouraged all children aged six to four years and 11 months to go without an appointment to protect themselves against the flu.

Both leaders expect the peak to come “after the holidays” and are insisting that the most vulnerable get flu shots.

With flu levels higher than usual in 2024, it’s important to remember some of the tasks learned during the coronavirus pandemic to avoid greater risks. Avoid close contact with affected people, wash hands frequently with soap and keep closed areas well ventilated.