Fewer admissions to Sergas hospital due to influenza

Santiago de Compostela, January 4, 2024

The General Directorate of Health Care of Selgas continues to conduct daily assessments of the situation of emergency services in the hospitals and primary care centers of the Galician Public Health Network. According to the General Directorate of Public Health, the total number of people hospitalized with influenza in Sergas Hospital is currently 904, of whom 42 are in intensive care. So, for the first time, there was a slight decline. As a result, compared to the previous day, 21 fewer people were hospitalized and 5 fewer people were in intensive care units. The influenza positivity rate was 35%, a decrease of 1.11% from the previous day.

Flu vaccination increases

Regarding flu vaccinations, over three days last week, more than 9,000 people (9,217) were vaccinated. In this regard, currently, 82% of those aged 80 and over have been vaccinated; 73% of those aged 65 and over; 67% of those aged 60 and over; 0-59 months 51% of boys and girls. Galicia is the community with the highest influenza vaccination coverage.

The General Directorate of Health of the Ministry of Health remembers that vaccination prevents infections and, of course, complications that may lead patients to the hospital, especially the elderly and vulnerable groups. Galicia’s health authorities stressed that the vaccination campaign will continue until January 12.

Regarding respiratory syncytial virus, the total number of cases still hospitalized is 164, down three from yesterday, and there are no cases in the intensive care unit, down one from yesterday.

In terms of emergencies, including the number of people entering services yesterday, there were 256 fewer people than the previous day, including 172 fewer adults and 84 fewer children.

Among adults treated yesterday, 21% were hospitalized. As for the pediatric population, 4.3% were admitted, bringing the average number of patients treated in the emergency department and those admitted to the hospital to 19%.

point out Sergas has activated its respective contingency plans in each of its seven health regions to respond to the greatest need for care at this time of year, providing more than 200 more beds than usual so far and strengthening facilities. Therefore, yesterday, 60 professionals took part in various shifts in the emergency services.