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Date Published: 31/12/2024

Flu reaches epidemic levels in the Region of Murcia

A huge jump in respiratory infections is starting to put pressure on some Murcia health services

Cases of influenza and other respiratory infections have started to skyrocket in the Region of Murcia, a worrying trend that was predicted by medical experts earlier this month.

During the week of December 16 to 22 (the latest available data), the regional health authorities detected a 29% jump in acute respiratory infections (ARI), which translates to 809 cases in every 100,000 inhabitants.

For its part, influenza is up 118% compared to the previous week, and Covid, 68%. The highest rates of infection have been recorded in children under 14 years of age and those with underlying illnesses.

In short, the seasonal flu epidemic has already reached the Region of Murcia and is behaving as usual, with an exponential increase in incidence during its ascending phase.

“This weekend there has been a significant increase, and we have had quite a few admissions for respiratory infections,” explains Enrique Bernal, head of Internal Medicine at the Reina Sofía Hospital. In addition to the high incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis, there is now influenza, “especially influenza A.”

“Mostly people with co-morbidities are being admitted, but there are also some young patients,” he added.

The Reina Sofía Emergency Department is the gateway for these patients who end up hospitalised on the ward. Every day, around 300 patients are treated here and while there has been an increase of between 5% and 7%, doctors are not overwhelmed by the flu epidemic.

“We are starting to see mainly influenza A, but for the moment there are no major problems in the hospital because surgical activity is lower this week and there are free slots,” explains Pascual Piñera, the head of the Emergency Department.

The situation is similar at Morales Meseguer, with an increase in the pressure on emergency services that has not yet resulted in a collapse. "The biggest problems could come after Three Kings' Day, when the peak of the flu epidemic is reached," warns José Antonio Serrano, head of the Emergency Department at this hospital.

However, this isn’t the case throughout the Region. In the Emergency Department of the Cartagena Hospital, for example, the increase in pressure has been “brutal” in recent days, according to Doctor María del Carmen Martínez Andreu.

“On the 28th we attended to more than 200 people in the Rosell and more than 450 in the Santa Lucía. There is a huge demand.” All of this in a service that is understaffed, she complains.

“We are seeing mainly influenza B. We are receiving patients with multiple pathologies who have not been vaccinated against the flu this year,” she added.

The evolution of respiratory infections in the Region of Murcia is similar to that being recorded in the rest of Spain, and while some of the figures may seem alarming, people shouldn’t be overly concerned. Christmas and New Year often coincide with the beginning of the flu season, when family gatherings and large social get-togethers help it to spread.

To avoid catching or passing on flu or other similar illnesses, the experts recommend getting the flu vaccine, washing hands regularly with soap and water and staying home when you’re sick.

In other news: Are any shops open in the Region of Murcia on New Year's Day?

Image: Archive

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