The number of people quarantined for influenza dropped by 62%, and the number of serious infections fell by half

Entering 2024, Asturias is one of the three regions in Spain with the highest number of hospital admissions due to respiratory viruses. According to the latest report from the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit, which updated data last Wednesday, severe cases fell by half between January 10 and 24, with 80 complications recorded last week, most of which were caused by influenza A. The indicator, which is of most concern to the health ministry, suggests that the wave of respiratory viruses that some doctors have dubbed a “tsunami” is in the process of easing.

Influenza A remains the most common disease, although from January 17 to 24, doctors prescribed 177 isolates, compared with 324 in the previous seven days and 472 in the previous week. In primary care, 7,852 cases of clinical processes due to respiratory pathologies were also recorded, with Asturias starting the year with 12,575 acute cases. The data confirm the forecasts of the Ministry of Health, which is confident that the situation will start to normalize next week, despite concerns that epidemiological improvements will be set back by the return of the academic year.

Vaccination

The outbreak of the respiratory virus has reached such proportions – especially during the Christmas period – that the principality has chosen to expand its vaccination campaign and reinstate the obligation to wear masks in health centres, hospitals and pharmacies. The decision came into effect on January 9, and 48 hours later the Ministry of Health extended the measure nationwide, leaving it to each autonomous region to decide when to withdraw it, as long as the incidence rate – as well as acute and severe infections – fell for two consecutive days. week.

Asturias initially planned to keep the mask requirement in place until January 22, but the health ministry decided to extend the measure for another week because hospitalization rates remain high even though infection rates have started to fall. On Monday, the principality will be able to take into account the achievement of all indicators.

Even so, doctors and political leaders insist that basic hygiene and protective measures must continue. It is a collection of illustrations by emergency physician and cartoonist Mónica Lalanda that serves as a reference for many Asturian professionals in this seasonal respiratory virus epidemic. It includes wearing a mask in closed areas when you have flu symptoms, avoiding high-risk groups, washing hands frequently, sneezing into the crook of your elbow, ventilating regularly, and seeking medical attention if a fever lasts several days or exceeds 38 degrees. Trouble breathing or pain on one side. Lalanda’s drawings were widely disseminated and recognized across the country, allowing primary care physicians to fully explain that “at least you don’t have to go to the medical center.”