In the first two weeks of 2023, cases of respiratory infections have been declining in six sentinel public and private hospitals, according to the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).
Washington Rueda, responsible for Epidemiological Surveillance of Zone 9 of the MSP, which corresponds to the Metropolitan District of Quito, indicated that there has been a decrease in cases compared to the last two weeks of 2022.
In the first week of the year there was a positivity of 22.2% for COVID-19, and in the previous week it was 14%.
In the so-called sentinel hospitals, cases of possible viral circulation are analyzed, tests are carried out and the viruses that are circulating are identified.
Rueda attributed the decrease to the use of masks in closed spaces, which has reduced viral transmission, and to a slight increase in vaccine coverage for the administration of third and fourth doses against the coronavirus.
However, he added, we will have to wait a few days to determine if this decrease corresponds, above all, to the New Year festivities.
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About 700 people go to the emergency room every day at the IESS Quito Sur hospital; of these, about 300 correspond to respiratory conditions.
Sergio Carrasco, technical-medical director of the IESS Quito Sur hospital, indicated that on Monday 88 adult patients and 190 pediatric patients were treated with respiratory problems.
He added that in the last week there was a slight increase in pediatric cases compared to adults. 60% are pediatric patients and 40% adults.
This slight increase would be due to weather conditions and holidays.
In that hospital, of the 300 people who come to be treated, 30% to 40% are given a test to determine what respiratory condition they suffer from.
22.6% of patients who were tested were positive for coronavirus, 7% for influenza, and 9.5% had respiratory syncytial virus.
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Gabriel Vega, a doctor specializing in emergencies and disasters at a private hospital, mentioned that there has not been a very large drop in care and mild cases have remained.
In December, he added, an average of ten people were served, currently there are six to seven.
Patients with respiratory conditions have arrived with malaise, fever, cough.
Vega recommended avoiding exposure to sudden changes in temperature and bringing a sweater or umbrella.
Also, wear a mask in closed spaces and wash your hands. (YO)
Source: Eluniverso
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