Returning to normal life as COVID-19 cases rise and fall virus threats: respiratory syncytial virus and influenza

COVID-19 is still here.Like other respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2 and its novel face Found a niche market Business Infect each other and survive wherever they are.The virus is still there Life grateful continuous transmission between individuals. And in the summer, it kept circulating, silently.

According to the Ministry of Health report, the case positivity rate in primary care almost quadrupled from July 6 to September 6, from 11% to 40.6%. Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (SiVIRA) From the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).

inside There has been some stabilization over the last week. But given the uncertainty and arrival of seasonal viruses, SiVIRA recommends increased sequencing of SARS-CoV-positive ARI (acute respiratory infection in primary care) and SARI (acute respiratory infection in hospital) sentinel cases. 2Identify circulating variants of the virus.

In Spain, officials say, According to the latest health reports, 13,914,811 people have been infected with the new coronavirus Released on June 30th. Since then, the virus has not been recorded as a health emergency, and the data is not broken down by age or community. And these data are incomplete, because as of April 1, 2022, official epidemiological surveillance focuses on high-risk groups over the age of 60. In fact, ECDC has no data since June 26 either.

“at the moment The epidemiological situation is not bada”, emphasis Anthony Trillaexpert in preventive medicine and public health, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Barcelona, Emphasis on vaccination campaign “up to a week ahead of schedule”“This is just an initial forecast and not because COVID-19 is a cause for concern.

From Separ (Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery), Francisco Sanz HerreroSecretary for Tuberculosis and Respiratory Infections explained: “Current COVID-19 cases are mildBut it made clear that “special care must be given to the elderly and those at risk from heart and respiratory conditions.”

Even so, Sanz warns that “We’ll have to wait for the cold to come (Really, it’s not just raining now), because then the drop in temperature paralyzes the lungs’ defense mechanisms and they become more susceptible to infection. “This adds to the fact that “we will lock ourselves more into homes and schools, and children acting as spreaders of the virus may lead to a rise in cases,” Sands concluded.

How many coronavirus cases are there in Spain now?

According to him SiVIRA, after summer reboundCovid-19 activity in primary care continues to increase, while there may be signs of stabilization in hospitals. Notably, influenza activity and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remained almost zero.

Specifically, last week’s data showed that 114.3 primary care cases per 100,000 inhabitantsThis number has increased since early July, when the number of cases reached just 30. The highest numbers are among children under 4 years of age (253.62 cases).

this Covid-19 hospitalization rate 3.5 per 100,000 people, changes have been increasing since early July. Among hospitalized patients, the highest incidence rates were found in those over 79 years of age.

What are the COVID-19 variants that are circulating?

The latest announcement highlights Variants inherited from the omicron lineage, XBB.1.5 F456L and XBB.1.5 continue to dominate. Specifically, XBB.1.5 (25%) and XBB.1.5-like+F456L (25%), and 0.5% since the start of the 2022-23 season) and BA.5 (8.3%).

What are the most common COVID-19 symptoms?

The new variant is Descendants of Omicron, They bear some similarity to the first strains of this lineage. Indeed, reports from the World Health Organization, the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention and health authorities have concluded that the new variants currently circulating have greater immune evasion capabilities, are more transmissible, and have lower case severity than previous variants.

this Preliminary study of EG.5 suggests more lung involvement.So the symptoms are similar to previous wave Caused by other strains: cough, runny nose, tiredness (Poor health), headache and sore throat, etc.

Are there current cases of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus?

No. The ISCIII report includes few cases of these seasonal viruses.

What measures should we consider taking?

Those who have learned over the past three years, how to perform Pharmacy tests for suspicious symptoms. Current methods already allow us to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 from influenza A and B viruses.

Furthermore, it should be remembered that preventive measures (masks, physical distance, hand hygiene and ventilation) are effective against all variants, as well as against respiratory viruses.