Influenza and COVID-19 rates slightly higher in Melilla

The public health department confirmed to El Faro that there was a slight increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) related to influenza and coronavirus transmission in Melilla last week (November 13-19).

Diagnosis rates of influenza syndrome and COVID-19 continue to rise. In primary care, since the start of the season in early October, 171 samples have been analyzed for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV diagnostics (respiratory syncytial virus) is systematically sampled by the Sentinel system according to established protocols. Among them, 8 (4.7%) people tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 9 (5.3%) tested positive for influenza. VRS does not.

so far The last wave of our city Starting from April 15, 2023 (April 10 to 16), there will be a peak incidence in this week In 2023-17 (April 24-30), there were 1,178.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitantsending in week 25/2023 (June 19-25).

The increase in respiratory virus cases is not only happening in Melilla.Low temperatures have been with us throughout the fall and winter months, which means Cold and flu season begins Data show that the incidence of these respiratory viruses is now increasing.

Cough, headache, malaise, nasal congestion or fever are the most common and typical symptoms of these diseases that affect a large number of citizens.

Specifically, Three quarters of Spaniards suffer from the flu or cold at least once a year, with 10% claiming to experience symptoms of these illnesses regularly.

No matter what time of year we are, according to research conducted for Kenvue by international consultancy Kantar.

The report also revealed that 75% of people do not treat the different symptoms of flu and colds, while 25% opt for specific treatments for these illnesses. In this sense, the data from this study also show that: More than half of respondents took no action at the first symptomspecifically 54.3%; that changes when the flu intensifies, as 40.2% of people do turn to flu medication at that point.

Here’s what’s forecast for the 2023-24 flu season

According to data collected by the Carlos III Institute’s Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (SiVIRA), influenza activity began to increase during these weeks in November, with cases in primary care intensifying. This is increasing, but unlike last year, In the same week in 2022, the influenza incidence rate was 14%, compared to 2.1% this year.

The last quarter’s sustained rise since 2023 began with a sharp rebound in flu cases. Testing for the virus increased nearly 185% in first week of JanuaryAccording to data from the Influenza Surveillance System of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)2, this is a decrease of 183.96% compared to 2022.

This year, based on data from the end of the southern hemisphere winter (May to August), it is expected that the rebound in influenza season cases will be weaker than last winter. , but become longer over time, causing these viral infections to persist throughout the fall and winter months.

Estanislao Nistal, PhD in Virology, researcher and professor of Microbiology at the Department of Pharmacy, University of San Pablo, CEU, explains this: “The peak of flu infections is expected to be later in 2023 than last year, probably after Christmas. This is logical since this is a time of increased interaction and contact, so the flow of infections tends to increase. It is also important to emphasize that since the first wave of cases in October 2022 has not yet occurred, this flu and cold season is expected to be more similar to what we experienced before the pandemic began.

Flu and colds coexist with Covid-19

While influenza remains at a stable level, SARS-CoV-2 cases continue to increase daily. Covid-19 cases rise this summer as new variants emerge For example EG.5 and BA.2.86.

As Estanislao Nistal details, the coexistence of these different diseases will continue to be the norm: “Influenza and Covid-19 are both respiratory illnesses caused by viruses that, in their mildest form, have similar symptoms: fever , malaise, runny nose… Both diseases have similar transmission routes, so since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, they have shared space with other respiratory viral infections caused by adenovirus, rhinovirus and other coronaviruses.”

Vaccination

In this case, authorities encourage high-risk groups and those over 65 years of age to get vaccinated against both diseases Flu vaccine and Covid-19 vaccine, The latter is a single dose, as noted by the National Interregional Committee on Health Systems in its 2023-2024 seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.

In this context, due to the coexistence of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2, the 2023 campaign will be a permanent and special one, since the synergistic effect observed between the two infections doubles the risk of death from simultaneous infection .

The influenza vaccination campaign began in October this year, with the goal of vaccinating 75% of high-risk groups. In Melilla it will last until December 15th.

Currently, according to public health data, they are People over 80 are the group receiving the most doses. Specifically, this group has received 706 doses, with a vaccination rate of 31.2%. Followed by the group aged 70 to 79, with 936 people vaccinated (24.52%); the group aged 60 to 69, with 1,208 people vaccinated (14.39%).

The vaccination rate among people under 60 years old is the lowest at 2.15%, equivalent to 1,519 people vaccinated.

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are intended for people over 60 years old, children 5 years old or older, residents of nursing homes and disability centers, people under 60 years old with dangerous medical conditions, people who live with people with high levels of influenza immunosuppression, Personnel of health and social hygiene centres, security forces and agencies, firefighters and staff of civil protection services.

In addition to the above-mentioned groups, there are other groups that are only targeted for influenza vaccination. These groups include children aged 6 to 59 months, people aged 5 to 18 years receiving long-term treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, students on internships in health and social care centres, people with direct occupational contact with animals and smokers.