Galician hospitals consider canceling non-priority surgeries as respiratory virus cases rise

The surge in cases of influenza, COVID-19 and other viruses is forcing us to look for contingency plans to deal with this wave of respiratory illnesses. Therefore, it is possible for some hospitals to reduce the number of non-priority surgeries, as is the case with the University Hospital of Vigo. The goal is to free patient beds from scheduled and non-priority admission interventions so that spaces become available. Hospitalizations resulting from these conditions form what is known as “triademia.”

One only has to approach the doors of the city’s emergency services to see that a large part of the population (or know someone who knows it) is suffering from the consequences of the virus: “We have been suffering from a severe spike since December 20”, he explains Dow. Laura Teijeiro, an emergency physician at the University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela. Actually, Many families’ Christmas holidays have been disrupted by outbreaks of these illnesses.

: “My husband is now under observation, my sister-in-law is also infected with the new coronavirus, and my grandniece is now infected with influenza A,” said a woman at the entrance of Vigo Hospital. “The most important thing is to wear a mask,” he added.

Epidemiological situation

To find out whether Galicia is already at the peak of the flu season, we have to wait until the start of this week. Health authorities must analyze whether cases continue to rise or the curve is beginning to bend. One aspect to consider is the positivity rate of tests, which has been 34% in recent days.

Regarding the new coronavirus, the Ministry of Health stated that the virus is still circulating, its transmissibility is similar to that of a “micron”, and there is no seasonal behavior. All in all, a far cry from this season’s flu numbers.

One of the most affected groups is children. So far in December, pediatric care has averaged 729 daily visits, compared with 900 last year. The decrease of about 20% is related to the introduction of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination in September.