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Date Published: 28/12/2023

Covid and flu cases skyrocket across Spain as temperatures plummet

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Masks and restricted visits have returned to hospitals and health centres throughout Spain

Covid and flu cases skyrocket across Spain as temperatures plummet

Winter has set in with a vengeance across Spain this week and the Ministry of Health has placed several provinces in Andalucia at risk levels 2 and 3 (moderate and significant risk, respectively) due to the sudden cold snap which has brought sub-zero temperatures to many regions.

With the cold weather comes an increase in respiratory illnesses and, of course, the ever-present coronavirus, but even though scientist were prepared for a winter resurgence in certain diseases, the dramatic increase has taken experts somewhat by surprise.

Looking at the official data, it’s easy to see why. In the past week, the incidence rate of acute respiratory diseases in Primary Care centres has shot up by 37.17% to 793.9 infections per 100,000 inhabitants, with the flu virus showing the most significant rise.

But Covid isn’t taking a back seat either and this week the percentage of positivity to SARS-CoV-2 has increased to 14.3% (13, 3% in the previous week). In the last seven days, flu has increased to 20% (13% in the previous week, which represents an increase of 53.8%) and for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) positivity is maintained (15.2% compared to 15.8% in the previous week).

What’s also interesting is that the incidence of influenza has shot up across all age groups.

Given this rebound in respiratory illnesses, several local health authorities, such as the Region of Murcia, have reinstated their recommendation that all visitors and staff in hospitals and health centres wear facemask, a measure that was abolished after the pandemic came to an end. They have also asked that the number of visitors be confined to one at a time, where possible.

Nationally, the Spanish Ministry of Health has issued its own series of recommendations to remain healthy and avoid infection this winter. These include:

Frequently washing your hands with soap and water or alcohol gel.
Wearing a mask if you have any symptoms of respiratory infection.
Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Using disposable tissues that can immediately be thrown away after use.
Getting vaccinated against flu.
Avoiding going into work if you show any symptoms.

Also of interest: The big freeze arrives in Spain: weather forecast Dec 27-Jan 1

Image: Freepik

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