2024-01-03 23:57:05
During the winter season, increase the respiratory diseases because low temperatures favor the survival of viruses that weaken our immune system. A clear example is the recent increase in influenza A cases in hospitals. For this reason, health authorities ask the population to take measures to reduce infections.
Las low temperatures favor the proliferation of viruses or infectious agents that cause respiratory diseases. In fact, it is one of the main factors that Viral and catarrhal symptoms increase. However, cases of influenza A infection have increased admissions to hospitals in Spain.
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According to information from Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance System (SiVIRA)with the support of the Carlos III Health Institute, between December 11 and 17, the rate of respiratory infections was 793.9 cases per 100 thousand inhabitants, which represents an increase of 51.6 percent, registering a upward curve due to influenza A.
What is type A flu and what causes it?
The influenza type A is a infectious disease caused by a influenza virus type A, belonging to the family Orthomyxoviridae. According to specialists from the University of Navarra Clinicis one of the three main types of influenza viruses, along with influenza type B and influenza type C.
He influenza virus type A belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae. It has a complex viral structure that includes proteins on its surface called hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which favor its ability to infect cells and spread rapidly.
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Main flu symptoms may vary depending on the immune system from each person. However, among the most common are the following:
FeverCoughSore throatNasal congestionMuscle and joint painFatigueHeadacheChills and sweatsGeneral malaiseNausea and vomiting (sometimes)
In accordance with SiVIRA specialists, between the week of December 25 to 31, 2023, around 11,324 were registered influenza A caseswhich has begun to saturate emergency rooms in some hospitals, such as Hospital del Mar, where patients must wait up to 12 hours to be treated.
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On the other hand, it is highlighted that 77 percent of the patients who arrive with influenza A symptoms to hospitals are not vaccinated, so they recommend getting immunized and using face masks to avoid contagion in vulnerable groups.
What is the difference between influenza and influenza A?
The main difference between flu and influenza A lies in the causative agent. The flu is a viral respiratory illness caused by several types of influenza viruses, including types A, B, and C.
On the other hand, the gripe A refers specifically to the flu caused by the flu virus. influenza type Awhich is known for its ability to cause pandemics due to its ability to mutate and change more frequently than other types of influenza.
How is influenza A spread?
The gripe A, like most of the respiratory diseases, It is spread mainly from person to person through small respiratory droplets expelled when someone infected coughs, sneezes or talks.
It is also possible to become infected by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Transmission is more likely in crowded places and during flu season, when the virus proliferates easily.
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Hence the importance of taking preventive measures, such as washing your hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with sick people. Additionally, annual flu vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of contract and spread influenza A.
Now that you know what is gripe A and where cases of contagion have increased, remember that this cold season it is important to take better care of yourself to avoid contracting a disease that weakens your immune system.
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