The health minister of the Autonomous Region of Madrid said that the incidence of influenza in the region is rising, with currently 180 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and is expected to reach a peak next week after the Three Kings Day interaction, Fatima Matut.
After visiting the Summa112 coordination center at Zendal Hospital, Matut noted that the incidence of Covid-19 was stable and that influenza was “not more severe or requiring admission to hospital”, particularly affecting people over the age of 80. In fact, he said there was no pressure on hospitals. The increase was because “no scheduled surgical admissions or other activities were suspended.”
Globally, consultants monitoring the situation hour by hour and hospital by hospital counted 11,000 emergencies in the past 24 hours, few of them serious.
“They are increasing but not enough to cause a collapse of normal hospital services. We have stepped up this because staff are on holiday and they also get respiratory infections. We control these variables during these holidays,” he assured. .
The incidence of respiratory infections is widespread, but affects older people and children more because they are more susceptible to infection, Matute recalled. “They are the ones who are most infected and the symptoms may be more severe.” “Especially Older adults, as respiratory infections may lead to imbalances in other underlying diseases,” he noted.
“They are the ones who most need our care and protection through vaccines, but also need us to maintain hygiene measures, wash hands frequently, wear masks for those with symptoms and not interact with other family members, especially the most vulnerable, “He said.
During the visit, the regional health director also thanked health professionals from hospitals and emergency services for attending to all the needs of the population, “which shows an increase in activity, especially during the holidays.