Influenza continues to decline, hospitalizations due to coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus solidify downward trend

Madrid, February 1 (EFE) – After reaching a peak of activity in the last week of 2023, influenza has declined for the fourth consecutive week, with declines occurring in all autonomous regions, as have hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and RSV.

This is clear from the report of the Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (SiVIRA) issued by the Carlos III Health Institute, corresponding to the fourth week of January, from 22 to 25, which confirms that all communities have Two weeks later the COVID-19 pandemic emerged. Therefore, in accordance with the regulations established by the Ministry of Health on January 10 during the outbreak of the pandemic, the wearing of masks will no longer be mandatory in health centers.

The global rate of acute respiratory infections in primary care fell to 587.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with 722.1 cases per 100,000 inhabitants the previous week, with a decrease seen in all autonomous regions.

By age group, the highest incidence of such infections in primary care was among children under one year old (3,102 cases per 100,000), followed by children aged 1-4 years (2,145.3 cases per 100,000). The report also confirmed that flu and coronavirus positivity rates have declined, while RSV positivity rates have remained stable.

By autonomous region, the Balearic Islands have the lowest rate (239.5), followed by Galicia (252.7), while the highest rates are in the municipalities of Melilla (1,603.8), Aragon (864.7) and Castile – La Mancha (851.4). ).

Against the backdrop of epidemiological decline and hospital relief, more than half of communities have chosen to lift the mandatory use of masks in health centers.

Castile and Leon were the first to relax the measure two weeks ago, with Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha following last week.

This week they were joined by Aragon, Valencia, Catalonia, the Basque Country and Galicia. In the last community, obligations are limited to hospital emergency services.

Days earlier, Health Minister Monica García stood firm in defense of her department’s decree mandating the wearing of masks during the height of influenza and respiratory illness, arguing that it was done in “absolute respect” for each region’s authority. .

The health side reiterated that this is a measure with scientific evidence that ensures the health of citizens and the work of professionals.

Indeed, the Minister confirmed that the Department of Health will continue to exercise its powers relating to public health and will begin working with communities on winter plans for next season in the coming weeks.

According to the latest data from SiVIRA, the global hospital infection rate fell to 16.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants from 23.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants the previous week.

Among hospital settings and age groups, the highest incidence rate is found in people over 80 years old (107.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), followed by the group of children under one year old (86.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Efe

BF-CJR/MCM