Doctors' advice to avoid getting the flu

Respiratory diseases are on the rise in Catalonia. The state Department of Health issued a statement warning of a rise in cases of influenza, Covid, and respiratory diseases over the past week, from December 18 to 24.

It stated in a statement that cases of acute respiratory infections last week “continue to rise compared to the previous week,” with a rate of 909 infected people per 100,000 people and 71,643 registered cases.

Influenza is the most common infection (22.6% of samples), followed by rhinovirus (17.9%), SARS-CoV-2 (14.6%), and RSV (13.2%). Among children, influenza is also the virus that circulates. The most (42%) are “on the rise compared to the previous week”, followed by RSV (18.8%), which continues to decline.

Regarding Covid-19, the global weekly rate estimate is 133 (90-176), down from 205 (160-250) in the previous week. The number of people admitted due to Covid also records a decline: there are 535 in conventional beds, 36 in conventional beds. Fewer than last week and 13 are in the ICU.

To avoid contracting influenza, the most contagious disease, doctors from the Spanish Society of Urgent and Emergency Medicine issued a statement

Prevention is the best measure against influenza and consists of a series of measures, including:

1. Wash your hands frequently: before eating, handling food, after using the bathroom, and after blowing your nose or coughing.
2. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough: If you can, with your arm or a tissue instead of your hand.
3. Use disposable tissues: throw them away after each use, do not keep them in your pocket after use or leave them on tables or tablets.
4. Avoid kissing and very close contact, as well as sharing glasses, cutlery, towels, and other items that may come into contact with saliva or secretions.
5. If someone in your home has the flu, clean shared surfaces (doorknobs, sinks, handles) often with regular cleaning products, and ventilate rooms often by opening windows.
6. Live a healthy life: Sleep well, eat healthy, drink water, lead a physically active life, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
7. It is recommended to use a mask only in the following cases:
   • People who are sick or starting to have flu-like symptoms when around other people, especially in poorly ventilated areas.
   • Healthy caregivers of someone infected with influenza A (H1N1) or with compatible symptoms when the patient is present.
   • In enclosed spaces, always try to get as much ventilation as possible.
8. Get vaccinated: It is recommended to receive the flu vaccine if you belong to a risk group (chronic illness, obesity, older than 65 years, children older than 6 months with illnesses, or health care workers).
9. If you have symptoms, stay home: the virus can be transmitted from 1 day before symptoms appear up to 7 days after, with maximum contagiousness in the first 3 days. It is recommended to stay at home to ensure you do not spread it to others.
10. Consult your doubts with a professional: If you have any doubts, consult a health professional.