With the arrival of autumn, flu cases are once again on the rise in Spain, and experts are warning that this season may be particularly severe. Drawing insights from countries like Australia and New Zealand, which have already faced intense flu outbreaks during their winter months, Spanish health authorities are preparing for a challenging few months ahead.
Australia, for instance, has recorded over 340,000 flu cases this year, making it one of their worst seasons. Experts from the Spanish National Flu Centre, like Jose María Eiros, stress that Spain may experience similar patterns. The flu’s resurgence comes after a lull during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, as the virus returns, the focus has shifted back to prevention.
Vaccination: A crucial line of defence
Vaccination is the key strategy to prevent severe flu cases, especially for vulnerable populations. Madrid has already announced its early vaccination campaign, starting on October 7, which will cover both flu and COVID-19. Medical professionals stress the importance of vaccinating high-risk groups, including the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions, to reduce hospitalisations and prevent fatalities.
Dr. Lorenzo Armenteros, a family physician, notes that flu cases are already being reported across Spain, with this season’s strain expected to closely resemble last year’s. Last winter, flu cases extended into March and April, much longer than usual, and experts anticipate a similar trend this year. Therefore, early vaccination is critical to limit the virus’s spread.
Who is most at risk?
Spanish health authorities are particularly concerned about the elderly. Last year, more than half of flu-related hospitalisations involved individuals over 75. Vulnerable groups also include those living in care homes and those with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses.
The general public is urged to take flu seriously, as it remains a potentially dangerous illness, particularly for the most susceptible members of society. Early vaccination could significantly reduce the impact of the flu in Spain, keeping more people safe during the upcoming winter.