Warning: Spain has entered the flu epidemic phase.

• Spain has entered the influenza epidemic phase. According to the latest data from the National Epidemiology Center (ISCIII) and media reports, in late November and early December 2025, flu rates are rising unusually early compared to previous seasons. The monthly influenza proxy index, estimated by ISCIII, increased from ~80.5 to 112.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in one week (SiVIRA/ISCIII data).

  
  

  European health authorities are calling for immediate vaccination. The ECDC reports that a new sublineage of A(H3N2) (subclade K) is circulating and recommends that eligible individuals receive vaccination immediately.

  
  

  What's happening in Vega Baja / Torrevieja - local data

  Local media and radio stations are reporting a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses in Vega Baja. Onda Cero's December 4, 2025, report estimates that the influenza incidence in the region has already reached approximately 800 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Public Health Director José Antonio García stated that the over-65 population is primarily affected and recommended vaccination and preventive measures. This is a local estimate from the regional health department.

  
  

  COVID-19: According to national proxy indicators (SiVIRA/ISCIII), the SARS-CoV-2 rate remains low and continues to decline compared to the fall; COVID hospitalization rates are also below the peaks of previous waves. This is confirmed by SiVIRA data and summary reports.

  
  

  Evolution in recent weeks

  Weekly: Increase in the influenza proxy indicator (from approximately 80/100k to 112/100k according to ISCIII/SiVIRA).

  The ECDC and the Spanish Ministry of Health recommended accelerating vaccination of target groups in November-December 2025 (ECDC 20 November 2025).

  Local authorities in Vega Baja report a high local incidence of approximately 800/100,000 and a particular vulnerability for people over 65 years of age.

  
  

  What the authorities recommend

  1. Vaccination. The Spanish Ministry of Health and ECDC: People in priority groups should be vaccinated immediately—especially those aged 60–65 years, pregnant women, chronically ill people, children aged 6–59 months, healthcare personnel, and residents of long-term care facilities. (Recomendaciones 2025-2026).

  
  

  2. Antiviral therapy. National and international clinical guidelines (WHO, NICE, CDC) and Spanish reference resources note a number of antiviral drugs that are indicated for severe influenza and in high-risk individuals; Treatment is most effective when initiated within the first 48 hours of symptoms; the decision will be made by a doctor.

  
  

  3. Public health and behavioral measures (endorsed by the Ministerio de Sanidad and ECDC): ventilate indoor spaces, wash/disinfect hands frequently, wear masks for symptomatic or vulnerable individuals, get tested and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, and self-isolate if symptoms persist until a diagnosis is confirmed.

  
  

  Practical recommendations

  (based on recommendations from the Ministerio de Sanidad, ECDC, and WHO)

  
  

  If you are in a risk group (age 65 or older, chronic illnesses, pregnancy): contact your health center for an influenza vaccination; vaccination is available to recommended groups as part of a national campaign.

  
  

  Everyone else: if you have an indication (work in healthcare, care for vulnerable people), also get vaccinated without delay. ECDC strongly recommends getting vaccinated "without delay."

  
  

  If you experience symptoms of an acute respiratory infection (fever, cough, aches and pains): stay home and call your doctor/healthcare provider. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe antivirals. Avoid visiting elderly relatives until you recover.

  
  

  Protecting others: wear a mask when in contact with people in high-risk groups or in closed spaces, regularly ventilate rooms, wash your hands, and use disposable tissues/handkerchiefs.

  
  

  If someone has severe symptoms (high fever that doesn't go away for several days, severe weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately.

  
  

  We wish all our readers good health and a strong immune system! Take care of yourself (and those around you)!