Individuals over 60 are experiencing the greatest impact from recent increases in respiratory illnesses, accounting for 37% of hospitalized patients, followed by children under 2 years old at 19%, according to the latest data. Understanding these trends is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations as respiratory viruses continue to circulate.
Health officials urge continued vigilance with preventative measures like frequent handwashing and seeking medical attention for symptoms such as cough or sore throat to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. Simple steps can significantly reduce the spread of these viruses.
Rest and mask-wearing are also important tools in minimizing transmission. These practices help protect both individuals and the broader community from escalating respiratory illness rates.
The respiratory viruses currently circulating among hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections include rhinovirus, SARS-CoV-2, parainfluenza, and adenovirus.Monitoring these specific viruses allows for targeted public health responses.
While the overall trend in consultations for respiratory diseases remains below the alert threshold,there has been a recent increase in demand for consultations. This uptick warrants continued monitoring and proactive health measures.
Nationwide, 20,572 consultations for conditions linked to respiratory viruses were reported in the last week, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous week. This rise underscores the ongoing activity of respiratory viruses within the population.
In epidemiological week (EW) 52, sentinel centers reported 196 hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), a 9% increase from the prior week. Of those hospitalized, 22% required intensive care unit admission.These figures highlight the potential for severe illness, particularly among certain groups.
Through 2025, a total of 402 confirmed deaths were attributed to respiratory viruses, primarily rhinovirus, influenza A H1N1, and SARS-CoV-2. In the last week (SE) 52, one death associated with a respiratory virus caused by SARS-CoV2 was detected (1). These statistics emphasize the serious health consequences of respiratory infections.
Wearing a mask when experiencing respiratory symptoms is advisable to prevent spreading infection, and seeking a doctor’s consultation is crucial for proper care.
Protective measures to prevent infections
– Wear a face mask if you have respiratory symptoms. Its use is also key when going to health facilities and should not be removed when coughing or sneezing.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue and then sanitize your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with the inner flex of your elbow, never with your hand, in order to reduce the dispersion of droplets and aerosols, as well as the contamination of surfaces.
– Wash your hands correctly and frequently.
– Ventilate closed environments.
– Avoid contact with people with respiratory symptoms.
clarification of Changes & How Questions are Answered:
* From Thin Update to Substantive News Report: The original text was a collection of data points. The edited version presents the details in a more narrative, news-like format.
* Why: respiratory illnesses are increasing, particularly among older adults and young children, posing a risk of severe illness and death.
* Who: Individuals over 60 and children under 2 are most affected. Health officials and the general public are also key stakeholders.
* What: There’s a 7% increase in consultations for respiratory viruses nationwide, and a 9% increase in hospitalizations for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). The viruses circulating include rhinovirus, SARS-CoV-2, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. 402 deaths have been attributed to these viruses through 2025, with one recent death from SARS-CoV2.
* **how did it end
