The BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants omicron, which are already the predominant ones, have tripled the number of hospitalized for Covid-19. According to the latest data provided by the Ministry of Health, there are 12,080 patients admitted to Spanish hospitals, although, for the moment, this is not reflected in the ICUs.
The pressure in the Intensive Care Units has stabilized at 5.7%. The Basque Country is the autonomous community with the most stressed ICUs, with 9.8%.
The accumulated incidence this week stands at 1,225.28 cases per 100,000 inhabitants at 14 days in the vulnerable population (over 60 years of age).
But we cannot forget that the death toll is still very high, and that the vast majority of these data fall short, since they refer only to older people, since those under 60 are not tested.
That is why doctors continue to call for prudence and every day there are more supporters of the return to the mask, at least in public places and even if it is voluntary.
Of course, fortunately, now the duration of the symptoms is shorter, with the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages.
According to the latest study by , compared to BA.1 (original omicron), symptoms last an average of four days.
In this sense, a report published in the scientific journal underlines that in people vaccinated with the two doses against the coronavirus who suffer the symptoms associated with the disease, these last an average of 4.4 days. To reach this conclusion, more than 60,000 infected people in the United Kingdom have been studied.
Who has to quarantine now?
The (which entered into force three months ago) establishes that “the high levels of immunity achieved in the Spanish population have determined a change in the epidemiology that supports the transition towards a different strategy”.
This means that the positives will not have to quarantine, except for serious cases and people immunocompromised. The duration of isolation “for those with severe disease or immunosuppression will be adapted based on the clinical course.”
In the case of residents of senior centers, they will remain isolated and close contacts will be studied.
Confirmed cases will carry out isolation for 5 days from the onset of symptoms or from diagnosis in asymptomatic cases, ending the isolation as long as 24 hours have elapsed after the resolution of the symptoms.
Workers in vulnerable areas, such as the health or social health personnel“they will not go to their workplace during the first 5 days from the onset of symptoms or from the date of diagnosis in the case of asymptomatic people”.
After this time, and provided that 24 hours have elapsed since the fever has disappeared or the rest of the symptoms have improved, an antigen test will be performed. If the result is negative, you can return to your workplace.
I am positive, what do I have to do?
Confirmed cases should take extreme precautions and reduce social interactions as much as possible by constantly using the mask and maintaining adequate hand hygiene for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or diagnosis, in the case of asymptomatic people.
If mild symptoms occur, they will not be tested for antigens or PCR. It is recommended that the person presenting mild symptoms and who meets the indication criteria for a diagnostic test, contact the health system of their community or autonomous city.
What are those criteria?
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“In case of presenting criteria of severity or poor evolution (dyspnea, fever of more than 38ºC maintained for more than three days…) observing in any case all personal measures to control transmission and using, if possible, a means of transport private in the event of displacement”.
And the close contacts?
Neither. Close contacts will not quarantine. However, during the 10 days after the last exposure they should take extreme precautions and reduce social interactions as much as possible by constantly using the mask and maintaining adequate hand hygiene.
Although, “the performance of the PDIA (Active Infection Diagnostic Test) will be indicated 3-5 days after follow-up”.
If I am positive, can I go to work?
In this protocol of the month of March it is established that “in the rest of the workplaces no action or specific measures will be established aimed at cases or contacts other than those defined”.
Thus, the occupational risk prevention services are in charge of indicating which procedures are carried out in the event of a positive for COVID-19.
At present, except for Catalonia, medical leave due to coronavirus infection is not automatic.
Whenever possible and in the event that you are not susceptible to temporary disability, teleworking is recommended.
Should I have a PCR done before being admitted to the hospital?
It is not considered necessary “in general, to carry out screenings prior to admission or to certain healthcare actions.
In any case, hospital centers may consider the use of screening in specific situations and with the aim of protecting vulnerable patients, at the discretion of those responsible for infection control.”