Spain has entered autumn, and the temperatures are unusually abnormal. The cold has not yet arrived in our country, but influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases have, and have been spreading unstoppably across the country in recent weeks.
Despite the high temperatures in recent weeks, the spread of the influenza virus has become apparent in many areas of Spain. The flu came early this year. The highest peaks in intensity usually occur in December and January.However, the 2023 Respiratory Infections Map It shows incidence rates already in mid-October, which is typically the highest in the season.
In the influenza section of Eltiempo.es you can inquire about the status and spread of this and other respiratory viruses. Specifically, according to the latest data, the autonomous regions of Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia and Valencia have already seen very high cases of acute respiratory infections in mid-October, although not specifically influenza. In fact, the virus with the highest incidence rate right now is Covid-19.
The incidence of the virus is also high in Murcia, Madrid, Aragon, Navarra, La Rioja, Castile and León, Cantabria and Asturias. Half are in Andalusia, the Basque Country, Extremadura, the Balearic Islands and Galicia.
Influenza A virus is the most widespread virus
“We have identified some influenzas, especially influenza A. They are so-called precursor waves. This is not surprising, but influenza usually appears between December and January,” says the National Influenza Center in Valladolid, Scientific and explains Iván Sanz, Head of Virological Surveillance.
Despite the high incidence of influenza, the vast majority of cases detected are Small outbreaks, or small outbreaks, detect a very limited number of influenza cases. A number of incidents have been brought to the attention of health services, particularly the type of flu that may appear this winter.
“These cases give us some information about what happens next. But for now, we’re not seeing anything strange right now,” Sanz detailed. He explained that these early detections do not mean that the flu season will be more virulent.
These early detections of influenza do not mean that the flu season will be more virulent.
Iván Sanz, Manager of Scientific and Virological Surveillance at the National Influenza Center in Valladolid
spanish flu season
Regarding the flu season in Spain, influenza viruses and their incidence have behaved unusually in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mainly due to the precautionary measures taken against the coronavirus.
“The peak of influenza we have experienced in the past two years has come much earlier than usual. More importantly, the data shows that in the past two years, we have been detecting influenza continuously throughout the year, even in the summer.” The expert said.
It’s an anomaly that it’s taken so long, mainly because the influenza virus has retired during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, people generally lose immunity.
The evolution of influenza and other respiratory viruses
In this regard, we must remember that influenza viruses evolve very quickly, and without this more or less regular contact, the natural protection against such diseases would be lost to a certain extent.
“However, as the data and cases come in, coupled with the mild temperatures, we will have an epidemic this flu season that is more similar to pre-pandemic normal than what has happened in the past two years,” Sanz predicted.
Data shows that for nearly two years, we have been testing for influenza year-round, without interruption, even in the summer.
On the other hand, other viruses are also circulating this time of year and they may cause flu-like symptoms but are not related to it.
“It’s not all the flu, and it’s not all COVID-19. There are other viruses, like the one that causes the common cold or respiratory syncytial virus (known as bronchiolitis in children), but that virus also often attacks older people.” The expert gave an example.