The current situation regarding respiratory viruses in Asturias is summarized as follows: SARS-CoV-2, which causes covid-19, is declining; the epidemic of influenza is “just a witness”; the number of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in boys and girls is In increased cases, this virus can cause diseases such as bronchiolitis.
These are the insights provided yesterday by the Ministry of Health through the Asturias Health Observatory. In the area of RSV, “circulations of rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, and adenoviruses” are currently observed. Regarding the impact of COVID-19, the region’s respiratory infection surveillance system is confirming a sharp decline in the impact in people over the age of 75 after vaccination.
Second phase of vaccination. The second phase of the vaccination campaign against influenza and covid-19 has begun. Currently, the sting is being felt in the region’s health centers, the population aged 60 and above, as well as the staff of health centers and nursing homes who have requested it. Unlike previous autumns, the Principality’s Health Service (Sespa) has conducted active recruitment only for people aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed.
In the Wellness Center only. If last autumn the Ministry of Health set up large “vaccination centers” due to the epidemic, this time it has returned to the classic model of vaccination in health centers. Both vaccines (COVID-19 and influenza) are available to all eligible parties. The vaccination team said that early last week, the Ministry of Health received a batch of COVID-19 vaccines “sufficient to meet all needs”.
Syncytial virus. As mentioned previously, according to public health surveillance systems, the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasing, and it is foreseeable that influenza will not emerge until these viruses are eliminated. As always, there is great uncertainty about the possible arrival of influenza. Some circulation of influenza viruses has been officially recorded, but at very low levels. In the Southern Hemisphere, some countries’ annual outbreaks occurred slightly earlier, while others arrived during normal times.
January peak? Experts currently predict that the epidemic wave will follow the classic calendar, that is, starting to increase in the second half of December, reaching its peak in January, and returning to a low level by the end of the year. February… All of this is predictable, but experts add there are no guarantees.
Less protection. As for the potential severity of the upcoming flu epidemic, some experts say this year’s flu season is expected to be similar to before the pandemic. If this prediction comes true, we will face higher incidence rates than in previous years because almost all preventive measures have been lifted: mandatory mask wearing in certain spaces, restrictions on social activities…