The disease takes hold after weeks of being in close proximity and gatherings with family and friends. Influenza incidence is on the rise in regionFatima Matut, the health minister of the Madrid autonomous region, said there are currently 180 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and are expected to peak next week after the interaction of the Three Kings holiday.Health services in the Community of Madrid They expect a peak in infections Despite the increased morbidity due to COVID-19 and especially influenza, which we have noticed a week after the “Three Kings” due to respiratory infections, it does not affect the normal functioning of hospital services.
After visiting the Summa112 coordination center at Zendal Hospital, Matute noted that the incidence of Covid-19 is stable and that influenza “is not more severe or requires admission to hospital”, particularly affecting people over the age of 80, in relation to other illnesses. “In fact, It said there was no increased pressure on hospitals because “scheduled admissions for surgeries or other activities do not have to be paused.”
Globally, consultants monitoring the situation hour by hour and hospital by hospital counted 11,000 emergencies in the past 24 hours, few of them serious.
“They are increasing, but not enough to cause general hospital services to collapse.. We have stepped up because staff are on leave and they are also suffering from respiratory infections. During these holidays, we are able to control these variables,” he assured.
The incidence of respiratory infections is widespread, but affects older people and children more because they are more susceptible to infection, Matute recalled. “They are the ones who are most infected and the symptoms may be more severe.” “Especially Older adults, as respiratory infections may lead to imbalances in other underlying diseases,” he noted.
“They are the ones who most need our care and protection through vaccines, but also need us to maintain hygiene measures, wash hands frequently, wear masks for those with symptoms and not interact with other family members, especially the most vulnerable, “He said.
During the visit, the regional health director also thanked health professionals from hospitals and emergency services for attending to all the needs of the population, “which shows an increase in activity, especially during the holidays.