Flu fatality rate rises in latest wave of infections
this Lethality Flu numbers have increased this season compared to the previous wave of infections.with one third Hospitalization Probably caused pneumonia 6%Lethality Six times stronger than covid-19 the last time. Fortunately, however, its incidence rate continued to decline for the third week in a row.
Based on data from the report acute respiratory infection surveillance system (SiVIRA), statistics from Carlos III Health InstituteThe fatality rate (measured as the proportion of people hospitalized with influenza who died in a given time period) increased again.
“In terms of severity, there has been a serious trend in hospitalizations due to influenza since the start of the season. 36% pneumonia5% admission fee ICU and a mortality rate of 6%. The fatality rate among hospitalizations due to influenza is higher than last season,” the report states.
In this regard, it is worth noting that the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES) estimates that the mortality rate among hospitalized patients is between 2% and 3%, based on preliminary data released by the Carlos III Health Institute. important.
However, despite this situation, according to epidemiologist With EFE consultation, the impact of influenza can be considered “Within expectations” After years of sanitary measures against these people, the forced return Pandemic
By comparison, the death toll from influenza is now six times higher than from covid-19, which began to decline as the first wave of infections receded. Omicron By March 2022 it will be below 1%Due to, among other reasons, the mixed immunity acquired by the vaccine and factors from previous infection and evolution of the virus.
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Although the incidence of influenza continues to decrease, its fatality rate has increased
On the positive side, as noted in the SiVIRA report above, based on data from January 15-21, decline of influenza incidence Like all respiratory infections, it is entrenched in all communities and across all age groups.
Therefore, influenza hospitalization rates Decline for third consecutive week There are 6.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants: the above ratio was 11 cases the previous week and almost 15 cases at the peak of the epidemic.
This would reduce hospitalizations by more than half since the end of December, although Income of people aged 79 and over they are still HighAccording to the Carlos III Health Institute.
Furthermore, regarding collections Respiratory DiseasesThe incidence rate also fell – from 933 to 717 per 100,000 inhabitants – and the hospitalization rate fell to 21 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants (29 the previous week).
Excess mortality from ‘all causes’ compared to last year
On the other hand, the Mortality Surveillance System (MoMo) of the Carlos III Health Institute has detected in Spain so far in January (i.e. provisional data up to the end of the month), overestimate mortality “for a variety of reasons” compared to January last year.
So, so far, this has been some 2,000 more estimates This mainly coincides with the peak in the prevalence of respiratory viruses compared with the same month last year.
In this regard, the Sivira report pointed out that estimates for Europe European MOMO Weekly excess mortality from all causes shows ‘overall, mortality levels are quite high’ Age group 45 and above“.
In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned a few weeks ago that nursing overload This is happening across Europe’s hospitals due to the confluence of influenza, covid-19 and bronchiolitis this season and its impact on population health.
Effects of mixed immune loss
Along these lines, epidemiological records from a few weeks ago suggest ‘Very strong’ flu cycle The provisional severity record, which is being verified, is no worse than last season, but the Carlos III Health Institute and the Ministry of Health warn of “serious consequences” for population health.
Regarding the impact of influenza in particular, in a statement collected by EFE, María del Mar Tomás, Spokesperson of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), and Juan González del Castillo, Infection Coordinator of the Semes Emergency Room: The statement attributed it to “Multiple factors” problem.
Specifically, they cited Reduced hybrid immunity After years of pandemic and protective measures in place vaccination rate Resistance to influenza decreases this season.
Likewise, Thomas added, the antibodies produced by flu prophylaxis on their own protect “somewhat less protectively against strains of the virus that are already widespread.”
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