In week 30 of 2023 (i.e. 24-30 July this year), the covid-19 incidence in primary care reached 75 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 55 cases reported in the previous week, suggesting that there are The increase was 36% based on data from the Sentinel Surveillance Report for Primary Care and Hospital Acute Respiratory Tract Infections conducted by the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII).
After the government approved the royal decree ending the health crisis on July 4, the health ministry stopped publishing its usual reports, which contain indicators of the evolution of the pandemic. So now the data is collected in the aforementioned ISCIII report, which monitors the situation with Spanish flu and other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus.
The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 increased by 150% compared to week 26 (June 26-July 2), when 30 cases were registered per 100,000 inhabitants since that date. By age group, the highest covid-19 incidence rate at week 30 was among children under 5 years of age (119.5 cases per 100,000 population).
The Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (SEMERGEN) confirmed this trend, with an increase in cases of colds, influenza A and COVID-19, but with milder symptoms than during the pandemic. In an interview with Cadena SER, Carlos Montalvá, head of the SEMERGEN emergency task force, said that “the virus that is most worrying at the moment is influenza, which produces more severe symptoms than other viruses”.
The radio station said sales figures for antigen tests showed a much higher incidence than Carlos III had shown.Pharmacies in Navarra, according to health advisors IQVIAin the last week of July, the number of tests sold increased by almost 1,000% compared to June, with an increase of almost 200% in the Valencian community and the Basque Country, the Balearic Islands, Cantabria or La Rioja Increased by 150%.
The SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate increased gradually, from 9% in week 11/2023 to 22% in week 15/2023, and remained at a similar level thereafter with slight fluctuations. From week 24/2023, a gradual decrease until week 27/2023; although fluctuations are observed from it.
In week 30, the covid-19 hospitalization rate was 0.75 cases per 100,000 residents (compared to 1.25 cases per 100,000 residents in the previous week). By age group, hospitalization rates were highest among those over 79 (4.6 per 100,000 hours).
The SARS-CoV-2 variants with the highest percentages of transmission in the past five weeks were XXB (38%) and others (75%), and since the start of the 2022-23 season, they were BQ.1 variants (32%), XBB.1.5 ( 31%), XBB (14%) and BA.5 (9%).
“In general, there has been an increase in symptoms of the virus in hospitals and health centers,” confirms SER Montalvá, adding that the increase in covid-19 incidence may be linked to “older people who have lost their defenses due to vaccination” for a year The experts explained that these patients presented with “mild symptoms of bronchial or pneumonia, which can be treated”, but “they have been able to infect relatives and companions who were with them. “
He stressed, however, that his biggest concern is the flu, “which can bring on more severe symptoms that in some cases require antibiotic treatment.”
Jaime Padros, president of Barcelona’s Meteges Academy, sounded the alarm online and asked to “act with common sense”. It sent directly to citizens: “If you suspect, get tested; if you are in a high-risk group, consult a doctor.” He added on Twitter: “Be cautious: protect yourself, and protect others.” Padros also added Clarified that “the vast majority of cases are mild” and that we should not “get restless”.
Infectionologist at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona Carol Garcia-Vidal It also warned via Twitter that the number of positive covid-19 tests in primary care was soaring. The recommendations he gave were: testing, special surveillance for the elderly or high-risk groups, paracetamol, masks, staying at home, hygiene and care. After what happened around the world, we already know and cannot forget.