New threat or another flu?

this Positivity in all technically analyzed samples calculated in the flow monitoring device (UMA) 36.10% Targeting SARS-CoV-2.

Although experts agree People with comorbidities or risk factors should continue to take care of themselves and receive booster vaccinesWhat happens to the rest of the population?Expert dialogue analyzes the current situation A24.com.

It is worth noting that the Epidemiological Bulletin also contains the following information: 4,905 cases of influenza-type illness (ILI) registered, 863 cases of pneumonia, 709 cases of bronchiolitis and 105 cases of hospitalized acute respiratory infections in children under two years old (Surrey).

Elena ObietaCommented the renowned infectious disease expert and head of the Infectious Diseases and Emerging Diseases Service of the City of San Ysidro. A24.com: “With COVID-19, we are experiencing the same situation as with dengue fever in 2023. It’s important to note that dengue fever is an epidemic, with regular outbreaks occurring during the hotter months, as often as every two or three years.but That changed when the virus began to “settle” in our communities year-round. “The same thing is happening with COVID-19.”

According to Obieta, COVID-19 becomes endemic. What does it mean?An outbreak may occur, with an increase in the number of cases during the winter or beyond Now, this happens to us during the months of January, after the December conference, during the holidays, everyone relaxes and thinks they have a mild cold, but in reality they are infected is coronavirus.

“The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus behaves like the influenza virus. It never stops spreading, just like no other respiratory virus stops spreading, but there are ‘peaks’ during certain months of the year, Especially when the weather is warmer, colder, “influenza viruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, etc.,” he added.

As far as he is concerned, according to the rules Pablo Bonvesi“What we have seen is an increase in COVID-19 cases in the last 2 to 3 weeks, and in most cases Cases we have seen Symptoms characterized by nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, cough, and weakness that, although not severe, prevent normal activities.“.

Do we have to get the COVID-19 vaccine again?

According to Obieta, The answer is yes. For COVID-19, yes. Not just for young people who have no comorbidities and had the disease two or three years ago. Unfortunately, we are seeing young, healthy people die from this virus. At the same time, vaccination is also a social good. Vaccinated people carry fewer respiratory viruses in their respiratory systems and are therefore less contagious.

He stressed that for those without comorbidities, i.e. not at risk of getting worse from COVID-19 –do not do thatOver 50 years of age, immunosuppressed people of any age, pregnant women, people with multiple chronic diseases, obese people, transplant recipientsWait – it would be ideal if they were vaccinated once a year because we would reduce the amount of virus circulating in the community.

Now, for those who do have risk factors, it is recommended that they get at least one booster shot in the last year.What needs to be emphasized is Health and essential workers are also still considered at risk.

“The risk of spreading coronavirus to people at high risk for complications is always highBonvehí agrees. According to experts, doctors today face difficulties confirming these cases through swabs, rapid tests or PCR, but we know that people currently experiencing these symptoms are most likely infected with COVID-19.

“A booster vaccination is recommended 6 months after the last vaccination. High-risk contacts such as health workers are also advised to take the same measures. For healthy people under 50 years of age, a booster vaccination is recommended 12 months after the last dose. in all situations, It is the time that has passed since the last dose that is important, not the number of previously administered doses.

What should people with COVID-19 symptoms do?

Pablo Bonvehí suggests that ideally these people would Isolate for the first 5 days, then wear a mask for another 5 daysTake paracetamol to relieve symptoms, cough or sneeze into your elbow, keep your room well ventilated and wash your hands frequently.