BarcelonaIt is the underestimated epidemic, the one that is described as severe coldBut the behavior of the flu is unpredictable. Every year, this virus causes hundreds of hospitalizations and deaths among the elderly and vulnerable. Many end up suffering from illnesses stemming from pneumonia, respiratory failure, or exacerbations of chronic conditions such as diabetes. These are pathologies that could have been avoided or minimized by following preventive measures. This Tuesday, Catalonia officially entered the period of accelerated flu transmission: the number of cases has doubled, there are 35 hospitalized patients, and five of them are in serious condition. What to do now?
The latest data from the Catalan Infection Surveillance Information System (SIVIC) confirms that the flu wave is already here. The increase began five weeks ago, earlier than usual, and faster than in previous years. In the last week, from November 24 to 30, 11,122 diagnoses were registered in primary care. The previous week there were 6,006.
Evolució dels diagnòstics d'infeccions respiratòries agudes
La data fa referència als casos totals de la setmana que acaba aquell dia
In just seven days, cases have increased by 85%, and the incidence is high: an estimated 164 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (up from 82 last week). Although rhinovirus, the cause of the common cold, is the most prevalent (39.3% of samples) (21.1%), all indications are that an epidemic situation will soon be reached. The ages of those infected show that the pathogen is already being actively transmitted in schools and workplaces: children aged 5 to 14 and young adults (15 to 44 years) represent more than 60% of cases. However, as is typical, the brunt of the impact is felt by the elderly and the very young. So far, most flu-related hospitalizations (a total of 35) are among patients over 60 years old. Twenty people in this age group have required hospitalization. Of the other 15, five are under 4 years old.
The relationship between young children and the elderly is one of the most important chains of flu transmission, emphasizes Alba Sanvicente, director of the Primary Care Team (EAP) in Vilassar de Mar at the Catalan Health Institute (ICS). "Many vulnerable people act as caregivers for children, so vaccination is the best prevention tool available," she states. The nurse reminds us that immunization is the only shield to protect ourselves and the community. "It helps reduce symptoms and complications. 75% of those admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for respiratory viruses last year were not vaccinated," she adds. This year, there are already five people in the ICU, which shows that one in four people admitted for the flu suffers complications. Three of the patients are between 0 and 60 years old, and two are older.
Vaccines and variant
This season, the predominant strain is the A (H3N2) influenza subtype, known as variant K, which has also been detected in Europe and Southern Hemisphere countries, where the epidemic peak has already passed. Unusually high disease severity has not been observed, but there is a mismatch—the phenomenon that occurs when the influenza strain chosen to design a year's vaccines does not correspond to the predominant strain that year—which would reduce the vaccines' potential to prevent infection, but not to protect against it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that influenza vaccination coverage in older adults and vulnerable groups be 75% or higher. Currently, in Catalonia, coverage is around 64% for those over 80 and 50% for those between 70 and 79. There is room for improvement, and the Catalan Health Department is allowing vaccination for anyone who wants it starting this Monday, even those without underlying health conditions. For example, if you live with vulnerable people or work in an environment prone to infection. "Vaccination in early childhood can help break the chain of transmission," Sanvicente adds.
However, at present, flu vaccination coverage in children aged 6 to 59 months is only 36%, far from the WHO target, even though influenza A is now the most common virus (50% of cases) in this age group. In fact, it has even surpassed respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which traditionally preceded the flu epidemic in children and now accounts for 5% of infections.
This shift is mainly due to vaccination: 93.5% of babies born between April and September and 71.7% of those born between October and May have received the vaccine against the virus that causes bronchiolitis, meaning that 89% of babies are protected against this virus.
Masks and teleworking
The Catalan Health Service (Salut) also recommends wearing a mask in shared spaces, especially in healthcare facilities. "We have never stopped offering masks to people who arrive with doubtful symptoms, or general, digestive, or respiratory discomfort," explains Sanvicente, who reminds everyone that in this situation, everyone should wear a mask or request one at the reception desk, including those who haven't come in because they've scheduled an in-person appointment by phone or through the "Mi Salud" (My Health) app. The Catalan Health Service (ICS) nurse is emphatic: even in the workplace, at the peak of the illness, but also with mild symptoms, the recommendation is to work remotely whenever possible. If not, she recommends wearing a mask, maintaining good and frequent hand hygiene, using disposable tissues, ventilating spaces, and informing supervisors of the situation.
How do I book an appointment to get vaccinated?
The main way is through the My Health portal (both via the app and the website). In the "Appointments" section, select the "Primary Care Appointments and Consultations" tab and choose the "Vaccination" option.
Alternatively, you can book an appointment through the health system's appointment scheduling website [ direct link ] using the personal identification code (CIP) on your health card.
It is also possible to call or go directly to the Primary Care Center (CAP) of reference to request the appointment.