Flu and Respiratory Infections Decline Across Spain, But Vigilance Remains Key
Despite a recent peak before Christmas, the incidence of flu and other respiratory infections is generally declining across Spain, though hospitals remain under pressure and regional variations persist. Health officials urge continued caution, particularly as social gatherings continue during the holiday season.
The latest report from the Surveillance System for Acute Respiratory Infections (SiVIRA) at the Carlos III Health Institute, covering the week of December 15-21, indicates a flu syndrome rate of 192.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in primary care – a slight decrease from the previous week, but still categorized as a medium-intensity epidemic. While this represents positive movement, the healthcare system continues to feel the strain. The hospitalization rate for influenza has remained relatively stable at 9.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Concerningly, approximately 20% of patients hospitalized with the flu have developed pneumonia, with 4.5% requiring intensive care, and an overall fatality rate of 3.9%.
Regional Trends Show Mixed Picture
More recent data, from December 22-28, reveals a largely downward trend across several Spanish autonomous communities. In the Basque Country, flu cases have declined for the third consecutive week, with 1,097 diagnosed cases – a 41.5% decrease – bringing the incidence to 667.88 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Hospital admissions have also fallen by 29.4% to 178, with hospital occupancy at 80%, considered within normal levels for this time of year.
The Valencian Community has also seen a second consecutive week of decline, with a 25.3% drop in acute respiratory infections, now at 885.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Specifically, flu cases have decreased by 31.5%, from 333.2 to 227.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and RSV cases have also fallen, although COVID-19 infections are experiencing a rebound. While incidence rates have decreased across all age groups, hospital admissions have slightly increased from 25.3 to 25.7 cases.
Castile and León reports a slight decrease in both respiratory infections and flu syndrome in late December, with flu cases at a low intensity level of 681 and 94 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively. However, there has been a slight increase in the detection of influenza and coronavirus viruses in hospitals, particularly affecting children under three and those over 65.
Similarly, the Murcia Region experienced a 34% fall in acute respiratory infections between December 22 and 28. Flu cases decreased by an average of 44.2%, bronchitis and bronchiolitis by 23.5%, and COVID-19 by 50%. Health officials caution that this decrease may be influenced by the Christmas holiday period.
In the Community of Madrid, flu cases have decreased from 204.92 to 94.47 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in primary care. Catalonia is reporting a similar trend, with influenza incidence at 236 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, down from 543 the previous week. Overall acute respiratory infections are at 615 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, below baseline levels. RSV and hospital admissions are also decreasing, primarily affecting those over 60 with the flu and those under 4 with RSV, while COVID-19 remains stable at low levels. Regional authorities recommend the continued use of masks in healthcare settings and residences, alongside frequent hand washing, and emphasize the importance of vaccination.
Regional Exceptions and Ongoing Concerns
Not all regions are experiencing declines. In La Rioja, acute respiratory infections have risen slightly to 895.02 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with a corresponding increase in hospital admissions – 29 for flu, 9 for RSV, and 3 for COVID-19. RSV cases are also rebounding in this region, prompting the activation of the Contingency Plan and increased surveillance in emergency rooms.
The Balearic Islands also report a slight increase in flu cases, rising from 75 to 89 cases per 100,000 inhabitants between December 15 and 21, although data for the most recent week is unavailable. Island-specific rates vary, with Mallorca at 90.7 cases, Ibiza at 87.7, Menorca at 78.3, and Formentera at 51.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. As in other regions, contingency plans are in place and preventative measures are recommended, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Despite the overall positive trend, health officials emphasize that vigilance is crucial. The fluctuating regional data and the continued pressure on hospitals underscore the need for ongoing preventative measures and widespread vaccination to mitigate the impact of respiratory infections this winter.
