The concern about the increase in hospitalizations
Hospitalizations for COVID-19, despite being at stable levels, have experienced a sharp increase in the last two weeks, generating concern among health authorities. This uptick mainly affects people between the ages of 65 and 79 and could be associated with a new sublineage of the micron variant, known as Flirt in the United States, which has spread rapidly across the state since a few days This variant, which has gained ground especially in the USA, is characterized by its high capacity for contagion, although apparently it does not seem to be more virulent or serious.
Symptoms and concerns
According to medical reports, the symptoms of this new variant could again include the loss of smell and taste, similar to other variants of COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already urged pharmaceutical companies to adapt their vaccines to deal with Flirt, as it is expected to become the dominant variant, after BA.2.86 or Pirola. In addition to the new subvariant, it is considered that the increase in hospitalizations and contagions could be related to the loss of hybrid protection (vaccine and previous infection) and a decrease in the prevention of respiratory diseases after winter.
Detection of the variant in Catalonia and other regions
In Catalonia, the new Flirt subvariant has already been detected at the Vall d’Hebron hospital and Germans Trias. In Madrid, the Carlos III Health Institute has reported an increase in cases, although the BA.2.86 variant still accounts for the majority (57%) of infections. Nationally, the incidence of respiratory infections has increased to 477 cases per hundred thousand inhabitants, with a rate of hospitalization linked to COVID-19 that has tripled in two weeks, from 0.3 to 1 , 3 cases per hundred thousand inhabitants. This trend is also detected in Andalusia and Aragon.
Withdrawal of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Europe
Earlier this month, the European Commission withdrew AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, known as Vaxzevria, from the market. This decision was made after the pharmaceutical company itself requested the withdrawal, amid concerns about side effects such as thrombosis. This decision will apply from May 7.