Flu season begins and spreads among seniors

In mid-November, the incidence rates of acute respiratory infection and influenza syndrome in the community increased slightly, reaching 637 and 18 cases per 100,000 residents respectively. The incidence of Covid-19 continues to decline to 29 cases per 100,000 people, and influenza and syncytial viruses have begun to show up in family physicians and pediatricians’ offices, with positivity rates of 6.3% and 4.2%, respectively, according to Health Sentinel. .

And, although vaccination rates are very good, with more than 80% of babies protected against bronchiolitis, those affected gain weight and the season starts with a cold start.

Children under 4 years old are worst affected by respiratory infections, with 18,439 cases per 100,000 children, followed by the next age group up to 14 years old, with 5,366 confirmed cases in this group; but infections start to spread across all age groups, The most widespread of these is influenza A.

Overall, respiratory illnesses have led to more hospitalizations in recent days, reaching 15.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, mostly young children. Almost twice that of the whole of Spain.

However, the number of coronavirus hospital admissions is much lower (8.6) and the situation is declining nationwide, according to the Ministry of Health’s Carlos III Health Institute. Data in their report also showed that Castilla y León has higher influenza positivity rates compared to other communities, but syncytial virus positivity rates are lower than the national average and coronavirus positivity rates are similar.

Data from the Ministry of Health show that the spread of the coronavirus is under control, with only one person admitted to the intensive care unit in Burgos and 88 people in the wards. Currently only the Medical Center of Burgos and the Rio Hotega Hospital in Valladolid have occupancy problems, mainly due to other illnesses and surgeries, resulting in losses; but the rest are in comfortable condition.

Therefore, the declared arctic cold appears to be associated with an increase in respiratory infections. Cold temperatures facilitate transmission, lead to overcrowding in closed spaces and weaken immune systems.

“Most seasonal respiratory viruses replicate more frequently and their lipid envelopes are more resistant, which helps them survive longer at lower temperatures, such as our upper respiratory tract (like the nose, which is around 33° C).), which is where these viruses usually enter,” notes the Spanish Society of General Practitioners and Family Doctors (SEMG). Another factor is that “at these temperatures, in these parts of our body, the immune system is less efficient. In winter, on the other hand, we tend to spend more time in enclosed spaces with less ventilation and more crowding.” The place.

prevention

These professionals also pointed out that the greatest prevention is to “wash hands thoroughly and frequently, have good ventilation in confined spaces, and avoid going to crowded places.” It’s also important to keep your vaccination schedule up to date, including flu and COVID-19 vaccines (among those recommended).

As for alarm symptoms, the scientific association noted that fever lasting more than 40°C, difficulty breathing, severe headache, for which ordinary painkillers do not work. If you have these symptoms, or if your fever has lasted for several days, it is necessary to consult your primary care team.