Influenza incidence in Aragon is declining, although remains above epidemic levels

Incidence of influenza in primary health care settings in Aragon has decreased over the past week, although it remains above epidemic levels. According to the Ministry of Health, which will be published on Thursday in the Epidemiological Bulletin, the rate increased from 334.7 to 231.5 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. The registered level of acute respiratory infections is also decreasing – from 1368.3 to 1071.9.

Consulting announced a few days ago that the Community is “close” to reaching the peak of influenza

, which has been putting a strain on the healthcare system for weeks. Let us remind you that from January 8 to January 14, up to 834 cases of influenza were registered in public hospitals, of which 7.1% of the total number of emergency cases were admitted, and 226 required hospitalization.

This fifth week in a row that the incidence of influenza in primary health care settings exceeds the seasonal basal threshold of 59.6 cases per 100,000 people. Either way, this would be the lowest level in 2004, as 303.5 cases were reported in the first week of the year.

Regarding the general indicator acute respiratory infectionsAccording to health data, the Community recorded 1,071.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between January 15 and 21, similar to the level reached in the penultimate week of 2023.

Aragon continues to actively vaccinate against influenza in health centers. Health A week ago, immunization was extended to the entire population., without having to belong to one of the groups that have been recommended for that dose up to that point. Five centers have been created in Zaragoza, which will operate in the afternoon from 15:00 to 17:00.

The influenza epidemic and other respiratory diseases have been straining the healthcare system since the end of 2023. To stop the transmission of infections, the Ministry of Health introduced Mandatory mask in all medical centers, thereby expanding the instruction published by the Ministry of Aragon requiring the use of masks for professionals in health and social care centers, as well as for users in the waiting rooms of health centers. In addition, recommendations have been made to include breathing circuits or separate rooms in primary care settings to avoid transmission of the virus.