The latest figures from the Flu Surveillance System (SVG) of the Carlos III Health Institute, published Thursday show the highest figures since the epidemic began (last January 9), 271 cases per 100.000 inhabitants.
The rise curve is very similar to that of 2019, but if we compare the highest figures of the previous year with the highest of what we have of the year, a 6% overall increase in cases or with a triplicate increase in the percentage of children affected.
The situation is impacting both educational and health. Half empty classes and full pediatric consultations. LA flu epidemic has affected children under 14 years of age to a greater extent.
Crowded pediatric consultations
Lo symptom they vary between high fevers, cough and malaise, which last up to 7 days. This has made pediatric consultations crowded. Many parents take children up to two times to the pediatrician, which is collapsing medical consultations.
Amparo Larrauri, SVG Epidemiology Coordinator He said that in recent weeks the flu has begun to proliferate more among children because the epidemic began with a greater presence of variety A (H1N1) and that of the B. This usually affects children of school age more.
However, experts anticipate an imminent drop in cases.
Do not forget that the flu is a disease of children that kills the elderly. Children have an immune system that is much more prone to infection but has a lower risk of mortality.
Flu: 13 deaths in Canary Islands (and it's not Coronavirus)
Yes, in Canary Islands the flu, so far, has claimed the lives of 13 people and has become an epidemic. And we don't talk about Coronavirus.
To date they have been notified 60 serious income y 167 mild, having a higher incidence among those under 14 or with a increase among the smallest (from 0 to 4 years old). The incidents between the 15 to 64 year old group.
Of these 13 canaries who have died from the virus, who suffered in most cases the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus, are 8 men and 5 women.
Latest flu data in Canary Islands.
- 9 were over 65 y 4 belonged to the age group of 15-64 years.
- 12 of these patients they had some risk factor.
- El 80% of the deceased They had not been vaccinated.
- La lethality of the cases serious is from 10,78%.
So far this year, they have exceeded 230 cases per 100.000 inhabitants, what is considered "epidemic phase".
Lack of consensus to vaccinate children
Despite the recommendations of the WHO, Vaccination against influenza in children is not provided for in the Spanish vaccination calendar. This happens by lack of consensus among specialists, since it would mean an annual vaccine rather than add to the calendar and it is not always completely effective. Besides of financial outlay that would mean for the Spanish health system.
