Influenza A, COVID-19, cold wave, why are there so many cases?

the fact is The drastic change from summer to winter ‘distorts our defenses in some way’ “This has led to us suddenly conducting our social lives in closed spaces,” explains the expert, who delves into other reasons: “It seems that our enthusiasm for Christmas has built up from all these years of pandemics, so much so that Some cities have had to declare alarms because there is not enough space in the squares for more people. All of this can lead to more spread of the virus.”

Regarding the flu, López Guerrero remembers that last year the flu caused two important peaks: one at the beginning of winter and another at the end of January with influenza B. However now, Most cases are influenza A. According to SiVIRA, 98.6% of registered influenza viruses are type A. As for covid-19, “it continues the process of adapting to our species,” the expert stressed, adding that now Another variant comes into play: Horseshoe grass. “It is not a direct sub-variant of omicron. It has a lot of mutations that are said to come from the previous lineage of Delta,” he clarified.

José Ramos Vivas, professor and researcher of microbiology at the European University of the Atlantic, detailed that the Pirola variant does not appear to be more dangerous than previous variants: “WHO just classifies it as a variant of interest, not a variant of concern, this will be more serious. So while it’s highly transmissible, it’s less virulent, “maybe also because we’re all highly immune,” Lopez-Guerrero said.

Is the spike normal in this case?

Respiratory viruses are more common in winter.Ramos Vivas says it must be taken into account Typical family gatherings on these dates could lead to increased infections. “These are always times of greater transmission,” he said.López Guerrero pointed out The lower the temperature and the lower the UV rays, the more stable the virus is.

. Another factor to consider is humidity, he added.

As for whether precautions are being relaxed, the neurovirologist stresses, not relaxing, “but forgetting.” Once again we see people coughing in closed places, and the respect we had during the pandemic is no longer there. “Of course, although there are many people who do not take protective measures, yes there is more awareness: “Now we know better if someone is coughing near us. Not a few years ago.” Likewise, more knowledge has led to People with colds see their doctor earlier, which explains why primary care centers are under greater pressure”, “Although this situation is not abnormal,” the expert assured.

In the end, López Guerrero had a message: “We forgot the most important thing. Without science there is no future, if a country is rich it is because of its research, but we forget to invest in public health. ”

Advice on preventing infection

The Ministry of Health has issued the following recommendations to avoid the spread of these respiratory infections:

• Cover your nose when coughing or sneezing.
  
• Use disposable paper towels and throw them in the trash after use.
  
• Use a mask if you have symptoms.
  
• Wash your hands often.
  
• If possible, telework when symptoms occur.

To these measures, the experts consulted by CuídatePlus add that regular ventilation of indoor spaces is very important.

Vaccination is essential

“In winter, you have to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 as soon as possible. There are many people who have only received the first dose,” Ramos Vivas warned.

Lopez Guerrero said: “Vaccines will always protect us“, but noted that there are still no people adapted to the Pirola variant. “This does not mean that we have no immunity,” he recalled, warning that in addition to putting a strain on health centers, The real problem with coronavirus infection is that a non-negligible percentage develop persistent COVID-19 after infection

. He concluded: “This has nothing to do with the symptoms suffered, that is, there is no direct relationship between severe infectious disease and the persistence of COVID-19.”