Mixed viruses are here to stay: influenza, COVID-19 and bronchiolitis

It’s clear there’s been a worrying rebound in respiratory infections, according to data from the Ministry of Health.

LMN

Over the past seven days, the positivity rate has increased exponentially: from 532 to 908 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. However, influenza is the queen. The proportion of positives increased from 20% to 25%. The majority of cases (98.5%) are influenza A.

As for COVID-19, the number of infections has not increased at the same rate: from 12.6% to 13.6%.

respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) widen its upward slope, a hospitalization rate of 4.2 per 100,000 residents. As has happened in recent weeks, the most affected are the group of children under one year old.

By autonomous region, the most affected are Melilla, Cantabria, Castilla-La Mancha, the Canary Islands and the autonomous region of Valencia.

The flu, common cold, COVID-19, and RSV are respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses. While the symptoms are certainly similar, they are not the same. Therefore, it is normal for them to be confused.

Influenza A Symptoms

this Influenza is an illness caused by different types of viruses. They can also combine with each other to cause new influenza.

This is a highly contagious infection that is spread through saliva or secretions when talking, coughing, or sneezing.

According to the Ministry of Health, most of the cases discovered in this “pandemic” are caused by a new subtype of influenza A (H1N1) virus.

• “So far, things have been mild, although that could change in a few months.”

Symptoms of this type of flu are similar to seasonal flu:

· Fever above 38℃

· General malaise and headache

· Headache

· Muscle pain, cough

· cough

· sore throat

· Difficulty breathing

And, although less common, influenza A can also cause nausea and vomiting.

What should we do if we have the flu?

Generally, symptoms are mild and there are no complications. Children, the elderly and patients who are immunocompromised or have pre-existing medical conditions are most susceptible to influenza.However, most patients Can recover at home Experts recommend the following measures:

· rest

· Drink more fluids: water, juice, broth…

· A varied and balanced diet

· Wash hands frequently

· Antipyretic drugs to treat fever: paracetamol

· Avoid contagion with people you live with: Separate and well-ventilated space.

You must contact health services if:

· Difficulty breathing

· Sudden worsening of condition and/or 7 days after onset of illness

· Chest pain

· Coughing up blood

· Skin that appears blue or purple

· Dizziness

· Fever for more than three days

· low blood pressure

cold symptoms

More than 200 viruses can cause colds, but Rhinovirus They are the most common. Like the flu, transmission is through droplets expelled when talking, sneezing, or coughing. Therefore, infection is spread through the air and personal contact. It’s possible to get a cold at any time of year, but it’s more common in the fall and winter.

Symptoms of the common cold are gradual and peak after 2-3 days.

· sneezing

· Nasal congestion

· Runny nose

· sore throat

· cough

· Tear

· Also, although rare, can cause fever

There is no need to seek medical attention from a cold, and recovery from the cold takes only 7 to 10 days. If you are a smoker, you can extend it for a few more days.

Symptoms of COVID-19

The SARS-CoV-2 variants identified in primary care are XBB.1.5-like + F456L, followed by BA.2.86 and XBB.1.5-like. The main variant in recent weeks has been BA.2.86 (74.29%).

Its symptoms are no different from other variants:

· sore throat

· cough

· Headache

· Nasal congestion

· sneezing

·Aphasia

· Muscle pain

· fever

· Anosmia (loss of smell)

· Nausea and vomiting may occur in some cases