The flu is starting to subside, but it's not completely gone yet.
After the peak of infections, the incidence rate stands at 236 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, half of what it was last week.
BarcelonaCatalonia officially entered the peak period of flu infections on December 2nd, approximately four weeks earlier than usual, and it appears that now, after Christmas, the epidemiological curve is beginning to decline. This is indicated by the latest data from the Catalan Infection Surveillance Information System (SIVIC), corresponding to the week of December 22nd to 28th. The estimated incidence is 236 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, half that of the previous week (546), but it should be noted that fewer diagnoses are made during holiday periods. For this reason, although the flu seems to be subsiding, the fact is that the epidemic is not completely over and new outbreaks cannot be ruled out. Based on the available information, the peak of infections occurred two weeks ago, just before the Christmas holidays. Then, the incidence rate skyrocketed to 750 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and this year's epidemic was confirmed as the worst in the last fifteen years. The WHO actively recommended vaccination and the use of masks, given that A new variant has emerged, the Kwhich has been imposed on half of European countries.
Currently, diagnosed cases have fallen from 374 to 169 per 100,000 inhabitants in one week, placing the transmission level above the moderate threshold but far from the high levels of recent weeks. In absolute numbers, 13,692 cases have been diagnosed, compared to 30,362 the previous week, while at the peak, 33,078 diagnoses were made. Of the more than 13,600 cases detected in primary care in the last seven days, 11,130 are under 60 years old, but children continue to have the highest rates of flu.
Hospitalizations are down
Hospital admissions of patients with positive flu tests have also decreased. There are 96 people hospitalized in regular wards; of these, 72 are over 60 years old, and 31 of those are over 80. Last week there were 153 patients, and two weeks ago, 172. The number of patients in the ICU remains the same as last week (9), of whom 4 are over 60. Regarding flu vaccination coverage, 67% of those over 80 and 54% of those between 70 and 79 have received the vaccine. In children between 6 and 59 months, immunity is at 41%. These are the same percentages as last week. Health officials recommendwear a mask in health centers, residences and social care facilities, both for patients and professionals, as well as on public transport and in crowded spaces if you have symptoms.
