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 weather and an increase in the incidence of colds is explained by the greater stability of viral particles at low temperatures, greater exposure of the respiratory tract to fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and an increase in, for example, personal interaction with people. closed and poorly ventilated areas1.2.
During week 45/2024 (November 4 to 10, 2024)), The incidence rate of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in primary health care facilities at the national level was 479.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which is 22% more than the previous week.
These figures are slightly lower than the start of the 2023-2024 season: 552.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 45 of 2023, where infections peaked at Christmas, exceeding 970 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.3.
In Castile and León, the rate of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in primary health care facilities in week 45 of 2024 was 504 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which is slightly higher than the national average.3.
Forecasts for the 2024-25 flu 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. The months of greatest impact may vary between November and March. According to the doctor Estanislao Nistal, Doctor of Virology
researcher and professor of microbiology at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of San Pablo CEU, “this year “The flu season is not expected to progress.”.“Taking data as a basis In the Southern Hemisphere, where the flu season (May to early October) has ended, a typical flu season is expected. IN Australia, the point of greatest number of infections occurred at 27 and 28 weeks.4 and there were no abnormal numbers of cases compared to other “normal” flu seasons. This will be equivalent to the second and third week of January, and the high incidence may continue into subsequent weeks.”he adds.
On the other hand, Dr. Nystal predicts a new season “coexistence of influenza, COVID and other respiratory diseases with similar symptoms and modes of transmission.”
Complete treatment for the first symptoms
Flu, colds and COVID are three common viral illnesses that affect a large portion of the population every year. In fact, according to a study carried out by international consulting firm Kantar for Kenvue, three out of four Spaniards get the flu or a cold at least once a year.5. Although these are different diseases caused by different viruses, they may have common symptoms: cough and sneezing, sore throat, headache, discomfort, runny and congested nose, fever, etc.
“To relieve these symptoms and avoid complications leading to a more serious situation, it is advisable to treat them from the moment they appear and comprehensively,” explains Maria Belver, pharmacist. In his opinion, “Flu medicines offer a much more comprehensive approach to these pathologies than paracetamol, which only acts against pain and fever, as they contain other active ingredients such as dextromethorphan, which calm coughs through its antitussive effect; or chlorphenamine for runny nose and sneezing.”
In addition, some formulas They are supplemented with other ingredients such as caffeine, which fights rot; and vitamin C, which helps tissue repair.” duck.
Reducing infections is in everyone’s hands
According to Dr. Estanislao Nistal, “Early treatment of symptoms helps reduce their intensity, reducing the impact on the quality of life that the infectious process has, but it also helps stop the spread of respiratory pathogens and helps reduce infections.” When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they produce droplets that disperse into the environment and can be inhaled by others, spreading respiratory viral infections.6.7. That’s why, “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 infecting others.”
On the other hand, the expert recalls that “It is important that everyone knows our role in preventing infections. No “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.” “One of the most powerful preventive measures is vaccination, but other simple measures such as frequent hand washing, regular ventilation, wearing a mask and limiting physical contact with others if symptoms develop, etc. are also very effective. Precautions like these 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, if the symptoms resemble a respiratory infection, it is advisable to consult a medical professional so that they can evaluate the situation.
About Kenview:
Kenvue is the world’s largest healthcare consumer products company by revenue. Our iconic brands with more than a century of history, including Aveeno®, BAND-AID® Adhesive Bandages, Johnson’s®, Listerine®, Neutrogena® and Tylenol®, are backed by science and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. At Kenvue, we believe in the extraordinary power of everyday care, and our teams work every day to put that power in the hands of consumers and find a place in their hearts and homes.
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