children from 0 to 4 years old are most affected
The incidence of influenza in Aragon continues to be high (336 cases per 100,000 inhabitants), and although the rise of the curve is slowing, health centers continue to receive numerous patients with symptoms of respiratory infection. Among the most affected, as the Minister of Health José Luis Bancalero acknowledged this Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Perpetuo Socorro health center in Huesca, are children.
In fact, he said, the 0 to 4 age group is the one that accumulates highest incidence: exceeds 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, more than double the total in the Community. This is confirmed by pediatricians who continue to receive a large number of consultations regarding pathologies associated with respiratory viruses.
“In teenagers,” the consultant pointed out, “this figure exceeds 400. In adults, we are below the hypothetical level when the ministry decided to make masks mandatory for all of us.” It must be remembered that Since last week, face masks have become mandatory in all health centers.. However, he explained, the incidence of influenza among people over 65 years of age is about 147, which is lower than the global rate in Aragon.
The incidence among minors contrasts with the coverage achieved so far in flu vaccination campaign, which was launched in the region three and a half months ago. “We would like to have a higher percentage,” Bancalero acknowledged, even though among people over 80 the 75% target set by Public Health at the start of the season was exceeded. More precisely, it is about 80%. However, among children aged 6 to 59 months – the group for which this immunization is recommended for the first time – coverage does not reach 45%.
Bancalero also responded to the media regarding the fact that in Huesca the Salud Informa application does not allow making an appointment for a flu vaccination: “This is a reflection of what citizens should actually do.. He is focusing on vaccination and there is a great demand in all health centers and we can assure that there will be no shortage of vaccines for all people. It is true that opening the campaign to 100% of the population has created a lot of demand, but everyone will be covered.”
According to nursing pressure due to the flu epidemic, he admitted that “it continues.” “To say otherwise,” he noted, “would be a lie, but it is true that we are doing well.” And he repeated: “In 90% of our hospitals, 98% of patients who need it are seen in the first 24 hours. The hospitals in Huesca and Teruel have virtually no patients to admit. It is true that in Miguel Servet: “Today there are two patients under review, one of them has a psychiatric pathology that retains special characteristics, and the system does not have enough beds for acute psychiatric patients. We are taking steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Bancalero noted that “there is virtually no income saturation in the country.” Emergency services but there is still pressure on hospital emergency systems.” According to data provided by the CSIF trade union, there were 14 patients in a satiated state in Servet this morning.