For another year, the flu season will coexist with Covid-19.

The first weeks of autumn gave way to the first rains, a general drop in temperature, and the start of cold and flu season. The connection between the arrival of cold and worsening colds This is due to the greater stability of viral particles at low temperatures, greater exposure of the respiratory tract to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and increased personal activity and interaction in closed and poorly ventilated areas.

During week 45/2024 (November 4 to 10, 2024) Acute respiratory infection rate Nationally, the primary care IRA was 479.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up 22% from the previous week.

These numbers are slightly lower than those at the start of the 2023-2024 season: 552.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants occurred in week 45 of 2023, which saw the highest incidence during the season. Christmas, exceeds 970 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Forecasts for the 2024/25 season.

Traditionally, the flu season in Spain begins in the 40th week, at the beginning of October, and lasts until the end of April, and in some years can even last until May. months of greatest effect

They may change between November and March. According to Dr. Estanislao Nistal, Doctor of Virology, researcher and professor of microbiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of San Pablo CEU, “the flu season is not expected to progress this year.”

“According to data from the southern hemisphere, where the flu season (from May to early October) has already ended, a typical flu season is expected. In Australia, infections peaked at weeks 27 and 284, and there were no abnormal numbers of cases compared to other “normal” influenza seasons. This will be equivalent to the second and third week of January, and the high incidence rate may continue into the following weeks,” he adds.

On the other hand, Dr. Nystal predicts a new season of “coexistence between flu, covid and other diseases respiratory, with similar symptoms and routes of transmission.

Treatment for the first signs

Flu, colds and Covid are three common viral pathologies that affect a large part of the population every year. In fact, according to a study carried out by international consulting firm Kantar for Kenvue, three out of every four Spaniards get the flu or a cold at least once a year. Although these are different diseases caused by different viruses, they may have common symptoms: cough and sneezing, sore throat, headache, discomfort, runny nose and nasal congestion, fever, etc.

To alleviate these symptoms and avoid complications that lead to a more serious situation, it is recommended, according to pharmacist Maria Bellver, to treat them “taking into account their appearance and comprehensively.” Thus, in his opinion, flu drugs offer “a much more comprehensive approach to these pathologies than paracetamol, which only acts against pain and fever” because they contain other active ingredients such as dextromethorphan to calm cough thanks to the antitussive effect; or chlorphenamine for runny nose and sneezing.

Some formulas are also supplemented with other ingredients, such as caffeine, which fights fatigue; And vitamin C, this helps tissue repair,” he adds.

Reducing infections is in everyone’s hands

According to Dr. Estanislao Nistal, early treatment of symptoms helps reduce their intensity, reducing the impact of the infection on quality of life, and also helps stop “the spread of respiratory pathogens and helps reduce the number of infections.” When coughing or sneezing, An infected person releases droplets that disperse into the environment and can be inhaled by others, spreading respiratory viral infections. Therefore, if these symptoms are addressed from the start, reducing coughing and sneezing will reduce “the amount of aerosols that can infect other people and therefore reduce the likelihood of infection.”

On the other hand, the expert recalls that “it is very important that all people understand our role in prevention of infections, “Not only to protect ourselves, but also to protect the people around us, especially if we have vulnerable people in our community, those with chronic illnesses or people who are immunocompromised.”

Likewise, he points out that one of the most powerful preventive measures is vaccination, But other simple measures such as “frequent hand washing, regularly ventilating rooms, wearing a mask and limiting physical contact with others if symptoms occur, etc.” are also very effective. “These precautions were very helpful at the time in stopping the transmission of Covid and are equally valuable in preventing the spread of influenza and other viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory illness.”

In any case, before appearance of compatible symptoms For any respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult a medical professional so that they can assess the situation.