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Flu Season Settles In: Spain Sees a Noticeable Uptick As the weather cools and windows start staying shut, Spain is heading into that familiar part of the year when coughs echo in classrooms and supermarket queues. And according to the latest data from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), the flu has arrived a little earlier and stronger than in the past couple of years. Between October 27 and November 2 , the rate of flu cases rose from 16.7 to 20.3 per 100,000 people. On paper, that may not sound dramatic- but it is higher than what Spain saw at this stage last year and the year before. To put it into context: Same week last year: 9.9 cases per 100,000 Same week in 2023: 8.4 cases per 100,000 So while this is not a crisis, we are seeing a faster seasonal upswing than we’re used to lately. Interestingly, if we rewind three seasons—when Spain was just emerging from the Covid crisis—the rate was even higher (24.5). But that year was a strange and disrupted season, with flu and Covid jostling for dominance. This time, things look more like a traditional flu season, just slightly ahead of schedule. Children Are Driving the Increase The rise is far from uniform across age groups, and one group stands out: children. The flu is spreading most strongly among those aged 1 to 4, where the rate has jumped from 23.3 to 37.9 cases per 100,000 in just one week. Children and teens aged 5 to 19 also saw an increase, from 18.3 to 23.5. If you have children in nursery or school, you may have already noticed the tell-tale signs: runny noses making their way through the class, siblings passing it around the house, and the family pharmacy run that always seems to happen on a Sunday. Meanwhile, older adults – usually the group of greatest concern – are seeing lower and slightly declining rates, currently between 12 and 14 cases per 100,000. This fits a well-known pattern: flu often begins the season by spreading among children, who then help move it into households, and from there into wider communities. Other Respiratory Viruses Are Circulating Too Flu is not the only virus making the rounds. Right now, Spain’s overall respiratory infection rate, which includes flu, Covid, and RSV, stands at 442.9 cases per 100,000, up from 419.8 the week before. Covid-19 actually continues to decline, now at 6.3 cases per 100,000 (down from 8.9). RSV, known for causing bronchiolitis in young children, has increased, from 225.5 to 244.7 cases in children under five. Paediatric wards typically brace for RSV as winter approaches, so this rise is expected, but it is something hospitals watch closely. Local Spikes Don’t Mean a National Wave There have been noticeable clusters of cases in Navarra and Vizcaya, prompting some local worry. However, experts say these should not be mistaken for a major nationwide surge. Dr Diego García, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases, explains that these clusters can distort perception: “They are localised transmission groups, not a sign of widespread escalation. Nationally, the situation is calm, slightly above the seasonal level, but still low in intensity.” In other words: yes, flu season is here — but no, we are not in a high-alert situation. Still, García emphasises the importance of vaccination, especially for those at higher risk: “For vulnerable individuals, flu can still lead to severe complications. Vaccination remains the most effective protection.” What Hospitals Are Seeing So Far Hospital flu admissions remain low, but they have ticked up, now at 1.1 cases per 100,000 compared with 0.8 the week before. Among those requiring hospital care this season so far: 23 per cent have developed pneumonia 5 per cent needed intensive care 2.7 per cent of cases have been fatal These proportions are not unusually high, but they illustrate why public health teams keep close watch once flu season begins. Most Common Flu Symptoms Right Now So what should you look out for? According to the ISCIII, the most frequently reported symptoms are: Cough (82 per cent) Fever (80 per cent) General fatigue or achiness (75 per cent) Nasal congestion (72 per cent) Sore throat (61 per cent) If symptoms feel intense or worsen – especially for children, older adults or people with chronic health conditions – seek medical advice early. Spain is not facing a major flu wave, but cases are rising steadily, and children are currently the most affected group. For most families, it means stocking up on tissues, adult paracetamol, children’s ibuprofen, and perhaps sharing fewer hugs than usual for a week or two. Winter has begun its slow arrival. And the flu has arrived with it – right on cue. Stay tuned with Euro Weekly News for more news from Spain
