Another year, we’re completely over flu vaccination promotion, A seasonal virus that usually affects the population during these cold months, and for which the vaccine becomes a basic prevention tool, especially among the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses or social-health workers.
Traditionally, the flu season in Spain starts at 40 weeks at the beginning of October and extends until the end of April, and in some years it can even last until May. The months of maximum impact may vary between November and March. What do the experts predict for this year? The truth is that nothing is mathematical when we talk about health, but according to Dr. Estanislau NystalDoctor of virology, researcher and professor of microbiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of CEU San Pablo, “this year A preview of the season is not expected of the flu.”
“Taken as reference Southern Hemisphere dataWhere the flu season (May to early October) is already over, A normal season is expected. In Australia, the peak incidence of infections occurred between weeks 27 and 284, and there were no abnormal numbers compared to other “normal” flu seasons. This would be equivalent Our second and third week of JanuaryThe high incidence may expand in the following weeks,” he added.
Furthermore, for another year from 2020, where the coronavirus pandemic has turned our lives upside down, Dr. Nystal predicts a new season “Coexistence between flu, covid and other respiratory diseasesWith similar symptoms and route of infection.” For this reason, we must not let our guard down and pay attention to the signs that can warn us of the presence of this pathology, unwanted companions, in these last weeks of autumn and throughout the winter.
The general public associates influenza virus infections with respiratory infections, but the problems caused by these viruses go beyond the respiratory system.
Vaccines are a basic prevention tool
As the doctor explains Amina Bekki, “The general public associates flu virus infection with respiratory infections, but unfortunately, the problems caused by this virus go beyond the respiratory system,” said Vitus Valencia 9 de Octobre Hospital pulmonologist. According to the expert, “Other than respiratory symptomsInfluenza virus infection can exacerbate underlying disease, favor superinfection by other pathogens, accelerate functional decline in an already fragile patient, and even Causes cardiovascular events deadly.”
for the doctor Ignacio Sanchez LazaroHead of the cardiology unit of Vithas Valencia 9 de Octubre, integrated in the Vithas Cardiovascular Institute, “Patients who suffer from chronic diseases, such as ischemic heart disease and heart failure among others, are not only more likely to get the flu, but more. Often they develop serious complications that require hospitalization.” This risk increases with comorbidities and chronic respiratory disease.
Dr. Becky emphasizes “how vaccination against influenza reduces the incidence, not only of respiratory pathology in those vaccinated, but also of cardiovascular events.” That’s why it’s so important Patients with chronic diseases, especially with those affecting the cardiovascular system, Request a flu vaccination to their respective doctors, who will ultimately decide about it.
A time when the cold increases
Coughs, sneezes, stuffy noses… they start with what you must have noticed around you Cold increases. The connection between the arrival of cold weather and the increase in these viral processes is explained by several factors, among which the following can be highlighted:
- D Increased stability of viral particles At low temperatures.
- A Increased airway exposure Fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
- Increase activities and Personal interaction in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces.
The data does not confirm this trend. And in this 45th week of 2024 (November 4 to November 10, 2024), the national primary care acute respiratory infection (ARI) rate was 479.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, 22% higher than the previous week. If we compare these figures with last year, we can conclude that they are the beginning of the 2023-2024 season with 552.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the 45th week of 2023, which was the highest peak of infection during Christmas. , more than 970 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Early treatment of symptoms helps reduce their severity, but also stops the spread of respiratory infectious agents and thus reduces the number of infections.
How should this viral process be treated?
It is clear that flu, common cold and covid are three common viral pathologies that affect a good portion of the population every year. In fact, 3 out of every 4 Spaniards suffer from the flu or a cold at least once a year, according to a survey conducted by Kantar, an international consultancy for Kenvu. And the key is one Share many symptomsAlthough they are different diseases, caused by different viruses. So, those who suffer from them may experience common symptoms: cough and sneeze, sore throat, headache, discomfort, runny nose and stuffy nose, fever, etc.
“To relieve these symptoms and avoid complications that lead to more serious conditions, it is recommended to treat them from the moment they appear and in a complete manner,” explains Pharmacist Maria Belver. According to him, “The Flu medicine They offer a much more complete approach to these pathologies than paracetamol, which only works against pain and fever, since it contains other active ingredients such as dextromethorphan, to calm the cough, thanks to its antitussive effect; or chlorphenamine, for runny nose and sneezing. Some formulas are also supplemented with other ingredients, such as caffeine, which combats decline; and vitamin C, which helps repair tissue.”
© Getty ImagesImportance of first aid
Once symptoms appear, there is no time to waste if we are to better address the viral process, while at the same time reducing its spread. “She Initial treatment of symptoms “It helps reduce its severity, reducing the impact on the quality of life of the infectious process, but it also helps stop the spread of respiratory infectious agents and contributes to reducing the number of infections,” said Dr. Nistal. We cannot lose sight of the fact that when coughing or sneezing, an infected person releases droplets that spread into the environment and can be inhaled by other people. Spreading respiratory viral infections. Therefore, “if these symptoms are dealt with from the first moment, reducing coughing and sneezing will reduce the amount of aerosols that are likely to infect other people and, consequently, will be less likely to infect others.”
Responsibility, if you have a cold, is a key element
The expert, therefore, emphasizes one concept: it is important We are responsible if affected by a viral process. “It is crucial that we are all aware of our role in preventing infection, not just to protect ourselves, Protect the people around usEspecially if there are vulnerable people in our environment, with chronic diseases or immunosuppressed people,” said the doctor. It is not difficult to do, there are effective measures that help us.
“One of the most powerful preventive measures vaccinationBut they are very effective Other simple measures Such as frequent hand washing, regular room ventilation, wearing masks and reducing physical contact with other people in case of symptoms. Such precautions were very useful to stop the transmission of COVID at that time and equally valuable to prevent the circulation of flu and other viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory conditions,” advised the expert, who of course stressed that, in any case , it is recommended if symptoms are consistent with a respiratory infection Consult a healthcare professional So you can assess the situation.
reference
- Refer to JM, et al. Influenza and other respiratory viral infections are associated with school absenteeism among schoolchildren in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA: a cohort study.. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2021; 21:291.
- Moriyama M, Huzentbler WJ, Iwasaki A. Seasonality of respiratory viral infections. Annu Rev Virol. 2020;7(1):83-101.
- Surveillance for Acute Respiratory Infections (SiVIRA). National Center of Epidemiology – National Center of Microbiology Carlos III Health Institute. Available at: https://cne.isciii.es/servicios/enfermedades-transmisibles/enfermedades-az/gripe-covid-19-y-otros-virus-respiratorios
- Flutracking Report (Australia). Available at: https://info.flutracking.net/reports/australia-reports/ https://info.flutracking.net/reports/australia-reports/
- Kantar Research, (UK/ES) 2023 – Kenvu Proprietary Research. A sample of 3,523 surveys.
- Hui DS, et al. Air exhaled while coughing without wearing a surgical or N95 mask. PLoS One 2012; 7(12): e50845.
- Coughing and sneezing: their role in the transmission of respiratory viral infections including SARS-CoV-2. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 202(5): 651–659.
