Cases of respiratory infections are increasing in Argentina: what is the situation according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health

He Argentina Ministry of Health reported that increase in cases respiratory infections. “Research reported by the Respiratory Virus Network shows an increase in recent weeks as Flu like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)“, Portfolio Health reported in Epidemiological Bulletin.

And he explained that there was an increase “from 216 cases of flu in week 19 (early May) to 700 at 21 weeks -mid-May-. For RSV from 158 cases at 19 weeks to 320 cases at week 20. Additionally, in week 21 of 2024 Circulation of SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, parainfluenza and metapneumovirus has been detected.”

According to the document, “in first 22 weeks of 2024, was notified of death of 18 people diagnosed with influenza” Let us remind you that seven days ago the Ministry of Health reported 9 deaths due to this reason.

“Among those hospitalized in the 22nd week of 2024, 16 cases of SARS-CoV-2, 245 cases of influenza and 107 cases of RSV were recorded. From the 16th week of 2024 (mid-April), there has been an upward trend in the incidence of influenza., exceeding 200 weekly cases over the past three weeks. Additionally, as of week 16 of 2024. a new increase in cases of RSV detection in boarding schools. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 remains low,” they noted in the Bulletin.

In the report, they postulate that between epidemiological weeks 1 and 21 of 2024, “322,429 cases Influenza-like illness (ILI) 41,737 cases of pneumonia and 33,010 cases of bronchiolitis in children under two years of age, representing a decrease in notifications of -15.52% for ILI, -34.13% for pneumonia and -56.19% for bronchiolitis compared to cases recorded during the same period. 2023.”

At the same time, they drew a number of parallels: “If we compare the number of ILI notifications from the 1st to the 20th week in the period 2015-2024, we can see that the largest number of cases was registered in 2022 (461,683 cases in total). cases), followed by 2016. The number of ILI notifications corresponding to the period from weeks 1 to 20 of 2024 is lower compared to 2015-2017 and 2022-2023 and higher compared to 2018-2021.”

A few days ago, just like he said Informationincrease in cases influenza, influenza A, pneumonia, And infections respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) what causes bronchiolitisHe showed an image that is repeated in the Guard public hospitals and private clinics in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area (AMBA) and other large urban enclaves center of the countryHow Cordoba or Santa Fewith people who could wait two to three hours until you are accepted.

Although autumn-winter high season for respiratory infectionsinfectious disease specialists agree that this year the situation promotebecause of low temperatures recorded in recent weeks, which is unusual for May. Hence Large numbers of children, elderly people and young people appeared in the waiting rooms earlier than expected with fever, cough or severe headache.

“The hospital is seeing an increase in infections due to respiratory viruses both in security and in hospitalization,” and noted that “the number of cases is higher than last year.” Despite this, he stressed that this medical center in the city of Buenos Aires “works completely but okwithout signs of saturation,” he recently described Information doctor Eduardo Lopez, Head of the Department of Medicine and Infectology at the Ricardo Gutierrez Children’s Hospital.

The most common symptoms reported at Gutierrez’s hospital, he said, “are bronchiolitis and infections lower respiratory tract. Circulating viruses are “RSV, influenza and rhinovirus”. Regarding the situation with coronavirus, he noted that in the pediatric clinic in the city. Recoleta “Not many cases of Covid-19 are being detected.”

When asked about the situation in Province of Buenos Airesdoctor Silvia Gonzalez Ayalathe president Argentine Society of Pediatric Infectology and chairman of the department infectology at the Faculty of Health Sciences National University of La Plata (UNLP) said Information: “There is an increase in respiratory infections everywhere.” This increase is observed in various parts of the country where viruses are circulating, stimulating consultations “such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu And rhinovirus– Ayala added.

The specialist noted: “Although the figures available in the latest National Epidemiological Bulletin show data that corresponds to mid-May,” this trend is already reflected in increased spread of respiratory pathogens in various regions.

In turn, the doctor Pablo Comignanihead of emergency services British hospitalhe clarified Information that “with the beginning of this seasonal phase corresponding to the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, Influenza cases have increased significantly among both children and adults.especially influenza A.”

According to Comignani, these are mostly “respiratory cases.” “mostly soft”but that in risk groups – older people or people with underlying respiratory diseases, as well as young children – these conditions “cause serious symptoms and even the need for hospitalization not only in general wards, but also in intensive care units.”

There are various viruses that can cause colds. Early symptoms may include a sore throat, congestion or runny nose, sneezing, cough, headache, mild fever, fatigue or muscle pain.

Cold symptoms usually appear two to three days after exposure to the infection. They usually disappear within a week.

On the other hand, influenza is caused by the seasonal influenza virus. Its symptoms include, but are not limited to, high fever (38° or higher), headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle pain and general malaise.

Flu can also cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, although these are more common in children than adults. The disease has a short incubation period (2 to 5 days) and is highly contagious, from one day before symptoms appear to seven days later.

Boys and girls can be affected by respiratory syncytial virus, which causes bronchiolitis. You should consult a doctor if you have one or more of these signs:

• Very fast breathing.
• Swelling of the nose.
• Dropping of the chest or ribs when breathing.
• Moaning when breathing.
• Difficulty feeding or latching on.
• Irritability or trouble sleeping.
• Blue color of the skin, nails or lips due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis), which requires urgent treatment.