Denia health department advises patients with respiratory infections to use masks

he Denia Health AuthorityIn accordance with the regulations established by the Ministry of Health, the mandatory use of masks by health professionals during patient care in the oncology department and the ICU area is maintained and the use of masks is recommended in the emergency area.

Also keep in mind that this must be observed between patients with symptoms of respiratory infection, their companions and caregivers within the health center.

The number of COVID-19 admissions registered in July last year rebounded slightly to 14 hospitalizations per 100,000 residents and has now stabilized. Dr Antonio Valdivia, Director of Preventive Medicine at Denia Hospital, said, “The majority of patients are long-lived, over the age of 80, and the primary reason for admission is not a respiratory infection, but is confirmed after mandatory testing in the presence of compatible symptoms.” There was an increase in pneumonia cases, but this did not affect the number of hospital admissions for acute respiratory infections. “

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Dr Valdivia added: “Today, a significant proportion of acute respiratory infection cases requiring hospital admissions remains 2019-nCoV, influenza and RSV. The latter is more common in pediatric patients and is also diagnosed in long-lived adults”.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common pathogen that primarily affects the respiratory system, causing infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Initial symptoms are often similar to those of the common cold: nasal congestion, mild fever and cough. Although there is no specific vaccine against RSV, prevention focuses on hygiene measures such as frequent hand washing and use of masks.

Careful evaluation of random samples collected in sentinel networks is critical to distinguish between COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus infections. “Through this work, Dr Antonio Valdivia says, identifying key trends and changes in the incidence of these pathogens, allowing for more effective health responses. “

Regarding the current variant of COVID-19, derived from the Omicron variant, it has been observed to be highly contagious but not to increase the risk of complications compared to previous variants.

Combined Influenza-COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

The 2023-2024 vaccination campaign is planned to include influenza and COVID-19 and will likely begin in October. Vaccination will be prioritized for groups such as nursing home residents, the population aged 60-65 and over, and health and social hygiene staff. A new COVID-19 vaccine adapted to the current variant is expected to be available before the start of the season.

In the area of ​​monovalent vaccines against COVID-19, the World Health Organization recommends the use of vaccines specific to the omicron XBB.1 variant as well as other agents that elicit an effective immune response against this subvariant.

On the other hand, the Interregional Committee of the National Health System has approved influenza vaccination recommendations for the 2023-2024 season. This time, the composition of the vaccine was modified according to the evolution of the circulating strains.