Madrid’s health minister warns: ‘Peak of flu expected next week’

This year started with Respiratory tract infection epidemic By the end of 2023, its incidence had begun to increase.The main one is influenza A, The incidence rate is higher compared to previous years; to which was added Coronavirus and Bronchiolitis.

Health centers and hospitals again report a delicate situation due to the epidemic Lack of resources and personnel to meet the needs of patients.Likewise, self-government remembers The importance of vaccinationbecause 70% of people who need medical care have not yet been vaccinated.

Flu peak expected next week

Minister of Health of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, Fatima Matut

, ensuring that influenza incidence in Madrid is “similar to pre-pandemic”, so there is no increase in cases compared to other years.But, that peak incidence These respiratory viruses expected next weekafter the Three Kings celebration.

According to data, The flu peak came early this year; “Last year it was late January, early February, this year we’re hoping it’s next week,” he explained.This is largely affected by social gathering It was a typical Christmas, “we didn’t take the precautions we should have”.

Accordingly, the Minister of Health appeals to anyone with any respiratory symptoms “Wear a mask to protect yourself Hand hygiene should be ensured especially if you are coming into contact with fragile or vulnerable people”.

In Madrid ‘we’re not worried, we’re busy’

Madrid is currently in “Pandemic” There are 230 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, but this number is Equal to or lower than pre-pandemic years.

To this end, the Ministry of Health has launched winter planincreasing the number of professionals available to deal with emergencies, and “we conduct daily monitoring” to coordinate care at all levels.

In this way, “in the Autonomous Community of Madrid We are not worried, but busy Because right now, while there’s an increase in emergency room visits, we can assume admissions and we don’t have to pause any scheduled activities. “

The Community of Madrid’s winter plans include permanent communication Works with hospital management, emergency department directors, and SUMMA. Part of the plan is that non-urgent surgeries will be rescheduled if hospital beds are full, but that has not yet been done.

The health minister has not yet contacted the Madrid community

Matute criticized the health minister, Monica Garcia, “No Contact Us”

during an increase in respiratory viruses, but make sure they “Professional relationship” In it, he shares his concerns and offers solutions to health issues at the national level.

“I shared with her everything we cared about and the solutions she could offer from her position to improve health, but in this case we did not communicate with her because of the flu issue,” the consultant concluded.