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Just days before the Easter holidays, Spain has seen a sudden increase in flu infections. According to the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), the number of cases has jumped from 13 to 17.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in just one week, with a small increase in positivity rates from 2.3 to 3%.

 

While this is still relatively low compared to past seasons, it marks the first time since Christmas that the virus has shown signs of resurgence.

 

At the end of last year, an unexpected flu epidemic swept the country. Hospitals were close to breaking point, reporting 35% more admissions than the same period of 2022, and several regions reintroduced mandatory masks in healthcare settings.

 

The good news today is that cases of bronchiolitis, caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Covid-19 remain stable. However, influenza is a different story. The ISCIII reports that flu activity has been higher than in the past two seasons, both in primary care and hospitals. In fact, the peak of activity in the last week of 2023 was particularly intense compared to previous seasons, with children aged 5-14 experiencing the highest rates of infection.

 

At the moment, the most commonly reported symptoms are cough (90%), fever (85%), general malaise (83%) and sore throat (62%), and Aragón and Valencia are the regions with the highest estimated rates of infection.

 

Meanwhile, hospitalisation rates for flu have thankfully decreased for the ninth consecutive week, now standing at 0.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This drop is evident across all age groups, except for those aged 80 or older.

 

So, while the flu may be making a comeback, it’s important to remember that Spain is still in a relatively stable phase compared to past seasons. The health authorities have advised a few simple precautions like frequent handwashing, covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and staying home when sick, to help keep everyone safe and healthy over Easter.

 

 

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