The surge of influenza and COVID-19 in Iran during the twenty-eighth week of the current year has raised signs of concern for the country's health system. According to data from the respiratory surveillance system, the proportion of cases with respiratory infection symptoms among outpatient and hospitalized patients has been reported at 9.3% and 9.7%, respectively. This is while the rate of respiratory infections among outpatient and hospitalized patients decreased to 8.1% and 10.5% last week.
Increase in Influenza and COVID-19 Cases
Based on the information obtained, among 203 respiratory samples taken from patients, the positive rate of influenza has reached 2.9%, showing a significant increase compared to the same week last year (0.9%). Meanwhile, the proportion of positive COVID-19 samples has decreased to 13.7%, which requires a more precise interpretation despite the increase in respiratory infection cases.
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Worrisome Situation in Provinces
The provinces of Bushehr and Fars, with 18.7% and 11.6% of positive influenza cases, respectively, are above the warning threshold. Additionally, the provinces of Khuzestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Kerman, with 7.3% and 6% of positive cases, are also above the lower warning threshold. This situation underscores the necessity of intensifying healthcare and treatment in these areas.
Visiting healthcare centers and receiving necessary care for various age groups, especially children, is among the actions that should be prioritized. 39.3% of positive influenza cases belong to the age group of children, indicating the need for special attention to this age group.
Overall, the current pattern of respiratory pathogens circulating globally is heterogeneous, and while COVID-19 activity remains low worldwide, influenza activity is increasing in some regions, particularly East Asia. This increase in influenza activity, especially in China and South Korea, could signal the need for preparedness and closer monitoring of the respiratory season in Iran.
Given the current increase in influenza and the upward trend of hospitalization cases in South Korea, simultaneous monitoring of COVID-19 and influenza trends in Iran has become more important. This data can help predict the health status of the country more accurately and assist health officials in necessary planning.
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