In the last period of Christmas, respiratory viruses They have completed emergency and primary care consultations.
As has happened in recent years, winter, severe frosts and family gatherings have led to a spike in COVID-19 cases. But what’s really surprising is what we’re experiencing.
This is called triple epidemic.it’s about a viral cocktail: Influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which often causes bronchiolitis, a Pediatric pathology affecting children under 2 years of age Its vaccine can reduce childhood hospitalizations by up to 80%.
It’s clear there’s been a worrying rebound in respiratory infections, according to data from the Ministry of Health.It is reported Sentinel Surveillance for Acute Respiratory Infections in Primary Care (ARI) and Hospitals (SARI): Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV, it is clear that:
- In the past 7 days, Positive rate Exponential growth: from 532 to 908 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, influenza is the queen. The proportion of positives increased from 20% to 25%. The majority of cases (98.5%) are influenza A.
As for COVID-19, the number of infections has not increased at the same rate: from 12.6% to 13.6%.
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) widen its upward slope, a hospitalization rate of 4.2 per 100,000 residents. As has happened in recent weeks, the most affected are the group of children under one year old.
By autonomous region, the most affected are Melilla, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, the Canary Islands and the autonomous region of Valencia.
Influenza, the common cold, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. While the symptoms are certainly similar, they are not the same. Therefore, it is normal for them to be confused.
Influenza A Symptoms
this Influenza is an illness caused by different types of viruses. They can also combine with each other to cause new influenza.
This is a highly contagious infection that is spread through saliva or secretions when talking, coughing, or sneezing.
According to the Ministry of Health, most cases detected in this “pandemic” are caused by a new subtype of influenza A virus (H1N1).
- “So far, things have been mild, although that could change in a few months.”
Symptoms of this type of flu are similar to seasonal flu:
- Fever above 38°C
- General malaise
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- cough
- sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
And, although less common, influenza A can also cause nausea and vomiting.
What should we do if we are infected with influenza A?
Generally, symptoms are mild and there are no complications. Children, the elderly and patients who are immunocompromised or have pre-existing medical conditions are most susceptible to influenza.However, most patients Can recover at home Experts recommend the following measures:
- rest
- Drink more fluids: water, juice, broth…
- A varied and balanced diet
- wash hands often
- Antipyretic for fever: Paracetamol
- And to avoid contagion from people you live with: Separate and well-ventilated spaces.
You must contact health services if:
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden worsening of condition and/or 7 days after illness
- chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Blue or bruised skin
- Dizziness
- Fever for more than three days
- hypotension
cold symptoms
More than 200 viruses can cause colds, but rhinovirus They are the most common. Like the flu, transmission is through droplets expelled when talking, sneezing, or coughing. Therefore, infection is spread through the air and personal contact. It’s possible to get a cold at any time of year, but it’s more common in the fall and winter.
Symptoms of the common cold are gradual and peak after 2-3 days.
- sneeze
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- sore throat
- cough
- tear
- Also, although rare, it can also cause fever
There is no need to seek medical attention from a cold, and recovery from the cold takes only 7 to 10 days. If you are a smoker, you can extend it for a few more days.
Symptoms of COVID-19
The SARS-CoV-2 variants identified in primary care are XBB.1.5-like + F456L, followed by BA.2.86 and XBB.1.5-like. The main variant in recent weeks has been BA.2.86 (74.29%).
Its symptoms are no different from other variants:
- sore throat
- cough
- Headache
- nasal congestion
- sneeze
- aphonia
- Muscle pain
- fever
- Loss of smell (anosmia)
- Nausea and vomiting may occur in some cases
How to avoid infection?
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Use disposable tissues to contain respiratory droplets and secretions.
- After using the paper towel, throw it into the nearest trash bag.
- Perform hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or cleaning with alcohol gel) regularly and after contact with respiratory secretions.
- wear Face mask When you have respiratory symptoms.
- Follow vaccination recommendations for respiratory microorganisms.
- If possible, avoid going to work with symptoms of illness.