COVID cases and respiratory infections spike across the Region of Murcia

Respiratory infections have risen by 33% in a week, with COVID cases up 80% and flu infections also climbing

COVID cases are increasing across the Region of Murcia, as respiratory infections begin to pick up with the arrival of autumn. The latest figures from the Region's health surveillance system show that respiratory infections reached 402 cases per 100,000 people between September 14 and 20. That was a 33% increase on the previous week, continuing a rise that has been building since the end of August.

COVID-19 is currently showing the biggest increase. Cases rose by 80% in just one week, while flu infections were up by 65.6%.

RSV, the virus that can cause bronchitis and bronchiolitis, is also on the rise according to the Murcian Health Service. Cases increased by 25.7% over the week, although its current incidence is lower than that of COVID and flu.

For now, the increase in infections is not putting extra pressure on Murcia's hospitals. The Health Department says hospital services are operating normally and points out that the percentage increases represent a relatively small number of cases.

Primary care centres are already seeing more people looking for appointments because of respiratory symptoms, however, they do expect infections to continue increasing over the next few weeks, of course.

The return to schools and workplaces after the summer holidays, along with cooler weather, provides more opportunities for these viruses to spread.

Health authorities are reminding anyone with symptoms or who suspects they have a respiratory infection to wear a mask when visiting a healthcare centre. They are also recommending regular hand washing and good ventilation, particularly in enclosed spaces.

Murcia's vaccination campaign against flu and COVID has also been brought forward this year. Vaccinations are being offered to children under 11, with around 71,000 schoolchildren expected to receive protection. Babies aged between six and 24 months can also be vaccinated at their health centres.

For now, there is no indication of a hospital crisis, but the figures suggest the seasonal rise in respiratory infections is already under way.

See also: Murcia Region given six months to cut GP waiting times

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