Three years have passed since the start of the pandemic and the virus that caused it is still with us, although fortunately with a lower prevalence. Currently, the virus that causes COVID-19 lives with RSV, (causing the bronchiolitis), he flu virus, and rhinovirus, the latter, responsible for common colds. This is a complex winter at an epidemiological level and, despite having left behind the harshest stage of the pandemic, cases of infections related to the Òmicron subvariants and also reinfections continue to be recorded. The Hospital Clínic receives new consultations and admissions although few serious cases.
Since the Hospital Clínic diagnosed the first case of COVID-19 In Spain, more than 14,000 people have been treated for this disease, most of whom (more than 8,000) were admitted to hospital. Around 1,900 went through the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The laboratory has had to process an avalanche of tests during this period. Specifically, the Microbiology Service of the Biomedical Diagnostic Center (CDB) has carried out almost 455,000 diagnostic tests during these three years.
A woman experiences some of the main flu symptoms
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is a new type of coronavirus that was detected for the first time in the world in Wuhan, a city located in China. This happened in December 2019 and quickly spread around the world, causing a pandemic that affected the entire planet. The infection produced by the virus is usually mild, in most cases (80%) and the patient recovers without having to be admitted to the hospital. Approximately 15% of those infected have to stay for some time in the hospital to receive oxygen and 5% need to be admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Teenager gets vaccinated against Covid
an effort to adapt
During this triennium there have been eight waves as the virus evolves. Now the predominant variant is the Ómicron, in its BQ1.1, BQ.1 and BA.5 variants, but a new Ómicron variant has also been identified: the XBB, product of the exchange of part of the genetic material of two variants. In October 2022, a mutation appeared in XBB in the United States, giving rise to XBB.1.5. Dr. Antoni Trilla, an epidemiologist at the Clínic, points out that “there is not enough data to know for sure the effectiveness of the current vaccines against the XBB.1.5 variant, but they will certainly continue to be effective in maintaining protection, especially with the bivalent booster dose.
Vaccines have been shown to be effective and significantly reduce severe and very severe forms of COVID. Vaccination with booster doses is important for people at higher risk: over 60 years of age, pregnant women, patients with serious underlying diseases and healthcare personnel.
PortalCLÍNIC is a project of the Hospital Clínic and the BBVA Foundation. The information in the article has been prepared in collaboration with PortalClínic, from the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona and documented by health professionals.
