The report from the Directorate General of Public Health of the Ministry of Health on acute respiratory infection activity, for the week ending October 11, indicates a downward trend in the region. The dispensing of flu medications in Galician pharmacies decreased by 10.6% in the last week, while antigen tests saw an 18% reduction.
According to data collected by the sentinel network of pharmacies, the rate of flu consultations dropped by 19% compared to the previous week, standing at 11.9 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants. The decrease affected almost all age groups, except for those aged 60 to 79 (stable) and 80 and over (with an 18.6% increase). The highest consultation rates continue to be observed in children aged 0 to 4 years. The health area of Lugo reported the highest rate of flu consultations.
Regarding COVID-19, the consultation rate also decreased by 22.3%, from 35.6 to 27.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. This decline was more pronounced in the younger age groups (0-4 years and 5-19 years). The group aged 80 and over recorded the highest rate with 44.4 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants. The health area of Ourense had the highest rate, with 46.2 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants.
In terms of hospital admissions, 53 flu admissions were reported up to October 11, with type A virus being predominant. The flu admission rate remains stable at 0.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, with a doubling of the rate in the 0-4 year age group. The over-80 age group shows the highest rate (4.1 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants), and the area of Lugo, A Mariña, and Monforte de Lemos registers the highest rate (1.8 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants).
The COVID-19 admission rate decreased from 6.8 to 5.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, except for the 0-4 year age group which remained stable. Individuals aged 80 and over had the highest admission rate (30.6 per 100,000 inhabitants). The health area of Ferrol saw an increase in admission rates, while Ourense recorded the highest rate (8.5 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants).
The positivity rate for the COVID-19 virus stood at 20.4%, a slight increase from the previous week (19%). The vaccination campaign against COVID-19 and flu began on September 28 in residences and disability centers, and continues in health centers and schools for healthcare and child personnel.
