The Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (Semes) has prepared a decalogue of advice to avoid contagion of the virus, given the high incidence rates of influenza A that are registered in the country. The advice includes avoiding kisses and recovering the use of the mask in certain circumstances.
The circulation of respiratory viruses is increasing and, although their impact on emergency services and hospitals is still acceptable, the prospects of saturation or collapse are increasingly closer.
In the latest evaluation of the National Epidemiological Surveillance Network, corresponding to the week of December 18 to 24, the incidence of flu in primary care "increases the upward slope and is manifested in all age groups."
The hospitalization rate for the week is 5.6 cases/100,000 hours (3.2 cases in the previous week), and has been increasing for seven weeks. The highest hospitalization rates are observed in the group of adults aged 80 or older (33.5 cases/100,000 h).
In this context, the Ministry of Health launched a series of recommendations on Tuesday to prevent infections. Other institutions, such as the Department of Health, have carried out similar actions. And today the medical society of Urgencies and Emergencies has reacted.
Experts advise the use of a mask for people with symptoms compatible with a viral infection who are in closed spaces and in the presence of other people. Also in healthy people who care for a person diagnosed with or with symptoms of influenza A when they are in the presence of the sick person. On the other hand, they recommend maintaining the maximum possible ventilation in closed spaces.
According to Semes, this virus can be transmitted from one day before the symptoms begin until seven days later, with a maximum contagion capacity the first 3 days after the symptoms begin. “It is recommended to stay home to make sure you do not transmit it to other people,” she says.
The scientific society urges “avoiding kisses and very close contact,” as well as sharing glasses, cutlery, towels and other objects that may have been in contact with saliva or secretions.
The decalogue emphasizes the need to wash hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and use disposable tissues only once.
Remember, on the other hand, that the flu vaccine is indicated for those over 65 years of age and other risk groups: chronically ill people, people with obesity, children over six months old with illnesses and healthcare workers.
In Catalonia, the Health Department has recommended responsibility and prudence with the fragile population after confirming the growth of respiratory viruses. At the same time, he assures that the surgical activity scheduled for Christmas will allow space to be available, if necessary, for the demand for hospital beds.
Although there is greater healthcare pressure, Salut explains in a statement that contingency plans have been activated and “the usual follow-up visits for chronic diseases typical of primary care consultations are fully guaranteed.”
