The flu continues to reach the ceiling in hospitals

The flu continues to hit the ceiling in hospitals. According to the latest report from the Carlos III Health Institutewhich includes data from the week ending Sunday, January 4, the hospitalization rate in these health centers would have continued to increase, going from 9.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 11.7, in seven days.

Furthermore, in parallel, the positivity of the tests has also increased, reaching 45.6% –41.6% the previous week.

Thus, at the hospital level, the maximum rates of other seasons, such as that of 2024-2025 –7.3/100,000– either 2022-2023 –4.2/100,000–, although the record of the last 5 years has not been reached, which was 16/100,000, in 2023-2024.

The flu gives a respite in primary care

The situation in primary care is more positive. In this case, has been reported a clear decrease in transmission, which began to be recorded in mid-December 2025, when a peak of 445 cases per 100,000 inhabitants was reached – it was the highest rate recorded in the last five years.

In the last week analyzed by the report, that is, the first of this year, the estimated incidence, which is calculated taking into account the detections in health centers and the positivity of the tests, was 190.9/100,000 –248.6 the previous week.

An atypical season

It should be remembered that this 2025-2026 season is being atypical, since it has been brought forward by about a month in the northern hemisphere, due, in part, to the expansion of a flu mutation, known as subclade k H3N2.

Therefore, It is expected that it may end sooner than expected also, more so, taking into account that the trend of the curve in health centers is currently decreasing.

However, that does not mean that the epidemic is over or that the risk of contagion has disappeared. The recommendations made by the authorities of get vaccinated and protect yourself –especially if it is vulnerable– are still valid.

The dose against the virus, which is the most effective weapon available to avoid serious cases, is recommended for the following groups:

• 60 years or more.
• Minors under 60 years of age with risk conditions.
• Pregnant women.
• Health center staff.
• Workers of essential public services such as State Security Forces and Corps or firefighters.
• Smoking people.
• People with direct occupational exposure to animals.
• Child population.
• Minors between 6 and 59 months.

At the beginning of December, the first results of the Sanofi Gripometer 2025-2026, which revealed that the percentage of people over 65 years old already vaccinated against the flu this year in Spain reached the 56.1%while in the population between 60 and 64 years old it reaches 24.7%both figures very similar to those last year on the same dates, located in the 56.3 and 25.3%, respectively.

Hygiene measures

In addition, there are hygiene measures that can be applied, especially if you are in the presence of very vulnerable people. These are some tips from the Spanish Society of Emergency Medicine (SEMES):

1. Wear a mask if you have symptomsespecially in poorly ventilated spaces, and in the presence of vulnerable people or when working with patients with compatible conditions.
2. Wash your hands frequently: before eating, handling food, after leaving the bathroom and after blowing your nose or coughing.
3. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing: If you can with your arm or a tissue instead of your hand.
4. Use disposable tissues: Throw them away after each use, do not store used ones or leave them on tables or nightstands.
5. Avoid kisses and very close contactas well as sharing glasses, cutlery, towels and other objects that may have been in contact with saliva or secretions.
6. If there is someone in your house with the flu, clean common surfaces more frequently (doorknobs, sinks, handles) with the usual cleaning products and ventilate the rooms more often by opening the windows.
7. Lead a healthy life: sleep well, eat healthy, drink water, physically active, avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco. It is also advisable to shower with hot water and humidify the air.