The arrival of winter in Córdoba has brought with it a increase in symptoms of cough and nasal congestion. The specialists point out that there is a slight increase in the circulation of respiratory viruses, but they point out that the season in which these diseases occur has changed since the pandemic.
An epidemiological report from the Ministry of Health of the Nation has confirmed the presence in recent weeks of influenza viruses, Covid and bronchiolitis.
Miguel Díaz, director of the Rawson Hospital, explained to eldoce.tv that “We are at a time when respiratory viruses are beginning to circulate, but it is important to note that the mode of circulation of some viruses has changed due to the pandemic.” For example, you mentioned that the influenza virus circulated in late February and early March, there was a small outbreak at that time, but then it stopped circulating and now it seems to be circulating again.
Regarding the situation in Córdoba, Díaz pointed out that “In recent weeks consultations for respiratory diseases may have increased, but it is not a significant increase and at least in adults it is not putting pressure on the health system.”
When asked if there is a particular virus that is being observed more than others in these weeks, Díaz explained that it depends on the population, whether it is pediatric or adult. In adults, there is some circulation of influenza viruses and some Covid, but with very few hospitalizations, and hospitalizations due to influenza are much lower. There are also other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, and other less common ones.
For his part, andthe Ministry of Health of the Province has highlighted that in the In the last three weeks there has been a decrease in consultations for respiratory infections in children.
Germán Ambasch, another infectologist consulted, told eldoce.tv that there has been a notable increase in respiratory symptoms due to the influenza virus (flu) and some cases of Covid, in addition to the respiratory syncytial virus that usually manifests mainly as bronchiolitis in children. In addition, he pointed out that in the adult population they have observed more hospitalizations due to pneumonia, which is common at this time.
Regarding the Covid, Díaz affirmed that “never stopped circulating” and explained that “Respiratory virus surveillance is no longer done as before, just swabbing for Covid. Integrated surveillance of all respiratory viruses is now done.”
Regarding symptoms and prevention, Miguel Díaz highlighted that the symptoms are similar among the different respiratory viruses, such as nasal congestion, possible sore throat, conjunctivitis, cough and fever. For the Covid, it is possible to present loss of smell, although not in all people.
Diaz mentioned two key factors to prevent infections: personal care and vaccination. He recommended respiratory hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into the crook of your elbow, wearing a mask when you have symptoms, and avoiding socializing to prevent transmission of the virus. He also recommended work isolation of four or five days for people with this type of illness.
Regarding vaccination, Díaz stressed its effectiveness and encouraged people to get vaccinated against both the flu and Covid, especially those who have not yet received the Covid booster dose.
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