The latest figures point to a rebound in the number of covid-19 cases in our country in recent weeks. Along with this growth has come an increase in the number of antigen tests sold in pharmacies across the country.
According to data provided by the Carlos III Health Institute, the incidence of covid-19 in primary care was 75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the last week of July, compared to 55 in the previous week and 30 in the last week of 2019. June.
Likewise, the Spanish Association of Primary Care Physicians warned of an increase in coronavirus cases, but also an increase in flu cases. While the cases of the new crown have been mild, it is the flu that worries experts the most, as more acute cases are being observed that require antibiotic treatment.
However, did the same thing happen in Melilla?
El Faro has asked pharmacies if sales of these test kits have increased and how they can maintain sales of products to protect themselves from the coronavirus, such as gloves or masks. In addition, pharmaceutical workers were asked if they were also noticing an increase in flu cases.
antigen test
Sales of antigen tests jumped 174% from June, coinciding with an increase in covid-19 cases in the country, according to a study prepared by pharmaceutical consultancy Iqvial.
At the new pharmacy, dock technicians said there was no increase in sales of test kits, linking that fact to citizens relaxing.
“People are getting used to this and not buying antigen tests anymore. It’s a shame because some older people are at-risk patients and people can be asymptomatic and spread the virus because it’s still there.”
They met at the Manuel Muñoz pharmacy, where pharmacist Mireia said hardly any antigen tests had been sold in recent months. Still, cold ones are often on sale.
Also at the inner-city pharmacy, Amin said they had not noticed an increase in covid-19 cases. Cases have only sporadically improved since last March when cases began to decline, the aide said.
“Antigen testing is not something that worries people. There is a sale, but it has nothing to do with it before”.
On the other hand, as far as Moderna pharmacies are concerned, Associate Submissive observed a slight uptick in sales of antigen tests, but she insists they haven’t gone up by much.
influenza
Even though it’s not flu season, and flu activity is usually in the winter, the data on the increase in cases makes it worthwhile to ask whether our city is seeing this increase as well.
There was no increase in flu cases at the new pharmacy. “It’s not the season,” said the dock technician. When someone has mild symptoms, they’re asked to take anti-flu medication or congestion-relieving medication, the worker said.
There was also no increase in the number of Manuel Muñoz pharmacies. Mireia said sales of anti-flu products were on par with sales of COVID-19 products. “People will be looking for something to beat the cold. No specific information on flu or coronavirus.
Amin, a pharmacy assistant at the center, said they don’t have information on whether a person has the flu because when a person buys antibiotics, it’s not necessarily a flu case. However, the staffer said they did become concerned when flu cases purchased the antigen test, although he also said those cases were not increasing.
product
In the distance, the streets are full of people wearing masks. In recent years, the gradual reduction of obligations has led to a gradual decrease in sales. However, the removal of the obligation to wear masks in health centers, residences and pharmacies has undoubtedly made sales of these and other coronavirus-specific products scarce.
Sales of items such as face masks are down at new pharmacies, especially since masks are no longer mandatory at medical centers and pharmacies. “Before they bought it to be able to go to a hospital or a health center, but now there’s nothing left.”
As far as gloves go, those are still being sold, but the sales are more to aid workers.
The Manuel Muñoz pharmacy agrees that sales have dropped to zero since they removed the obligation to wear masks in medical centers.
At Moderna pharmacies, they also observed a significant drop in sales of gloves and masks. Assistant Obedience linked the reduction in sales of these items to the removal of the obligation to wear masks in pharmacies and health centers.
They also noticed a drop in sales at inner-city pharmacies. Amin said that while sales were continuing, the volume of masks and gloves was not the same as it had been sold before.
“There’s very little concern. There are still people saying to be very careful with these cases, but the concern has definitely subsided.
Hospital
The pandemic has shattered primary care in our country and cities.
However, while the virus is still present in the human population, the data presented by Comarcal is a far cry from what happened a few years ago.
In our country, the hospitalization rate for covid-19 is 2.04 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to estimates by the Carlos III Health Institute.
At Comarcal, their income has not increased due to covid-19, according to internal medicine specialist Elisabeth García Cortacero.
“There has been an increase in cases in the general population, but hospitals have not been affected. Patients are not allowed in”.
The utility said the increase was to be expected because we are in the midst of summer and more social life. Furthermore, he recalled that there are currently no measures in place against the virus. However, the situation is different from a few years ago, the symptoms are not so severe, and there are symptoms such as coughing and nasal congestion.
Regarding influenza, Garcia said Melilla reported no new cases, although mild cases may have been acquired at home. The health company assured that doctors will continue to monitor the evolution of flu in our city.
He also confirmed that most people no longer wear masks in Comakal.
“People are relaxing, including us health workers. We’re tired of wearing masks after so many years. Indeed, we use them for immunosuppressed patients or patients with respiratory diseases. There are also patients out of concern for the virus. Respect, enter the hospital wearing a mask.”
Variants
The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning reminding people that the coronavirus has not yet been eradicated and announced a new variant of the coronavirus (EG.5) that has been put on alert due to the increase in Covid-19 cases. 19, although on the other hand, the above-mentioned increase has not been accompanied by an increase in the number of hospitalizations.
The first reported case of this variant, the lineage XBB.1.9.2, was reported on 17 February.
The World Health Organization classifies it as a variant of interest and considers the risk to public health “low”, although it “may lead to an increased incidence of cases” due to its growth and greater transmissibility. The World Health Organization recognizes that the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 has decreased compared with previous years. However, it also ensures that the virus continues to circulate in the population and poses risks.