Flu in Spain: early wave and protection

The flu season in Spain 2025–2026 has started much earlier than usual, and the incidence has already exceeded the epidemic threshold. According to the national surveillance system, the country has entered an active epidemic phase with 112.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which indicates early and widespread circulation of the virus. Against the backdrop of rising cases, experts warn that the peak may coincide with Christmas and New Year holidays, when the number of close contacts traditionally increases.

It is especially important to understand how the season is evolving, follow recommendations from European and Spanish health authorities, and seek medical advice in time, particularly for people in risk groups. The flu season is clearly starting earlier than usual, and it requires extra attention from both the public and healthcare services.

This article is for information only and does not replace medical advice. If you are unwell or have symptoms, please speak to a doctor.

Current epidemiological situation of flu in Spain

According to the latest data from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), which coordinates the SiVIRA surveillance system, flu incidence continues to rise among both adults and children. National reports point to sustained circulation of the virus in most autonomous communities, especially in areas with high population density and active seasonal travel. Medical centres report an increase in consultations related to fever, cough, muscle pain and marked fatigue.

In the Valencian Community, regional health authorities recommend wearing masks in hospitals, outpatient clinics and when visiting older people or patients with chronic conditions. This approach is linked to the fact that the flu virus spreads more actively in closed spaces where people spend long periods of time in winter.

As a result, the combination of a more transmissible H3N2 subtype and seasonal conditions creates favourable ground for sustained spread of flu. Doctors emphasise that in the coming weeks the epidemiological situation will largely depend on adherence to preventive measures and the pace of vaccination at population level.

New virus variant: why the 2025–2026 season is progressing faster

The 2025–2026 flu season in Spain is progressing faster than in previous years, mainly due to active circulation of a more contagious variant of the A(H3N2) virus. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), H3N2 subclades dominate in Europe and show increased transmission in closed environments and in groups of people who spend a lot of time in close contact. This helps explain why incidence in some regions is rising almost a month earlier than usual.

Doctors note that this new variant more often triggers outbreaks in schools, offices, childcare facilities and families, where transmission happens quickly and through everyday contact. Another notable trend this season is the higher number of consultations involving children, adolescents and older adults. These groups are traditionally more vulnerable to influenza and more likely to develop complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia and exacerbations of chronic diseases.

Seasonal temperature fluctuations and high population mobility in December also contribute to the burden on the healthcare system, creating “ideal conditions” for virus spread. This is why ECDC calls on countries, including Spain, to inform the public more actively about protective measures and to seek medical advice promptly at the first signs of illness.

ECDC recommendations: why vaccination should be accelerated

European experts stress that during an early flu wave, vaccination remains the most effective method of protection. According to ECDC recommendations, vaccination is still beneficial even when the season has already entered its active phase. Flu vaccines reduce the likelihood of severe disease, lower the risk of hospitalisation and help protect people with weakened immune systems.

Spanish health authorities also underline the importance of vaccination for risk groups. The Spanish Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Sanidad) regularly updates guidance and emphasises that vaccination helps reduce pressure on hospitals and outpatient services.

Vaccination is especially important for:

people aged 60–65 and older;
pregnant women;
children under 5 years;
people with chronic lung diseases (asthma, COPD);
patients with diabetes and cardiovascular disease;
people with weakened immunity;
carers and relatives of older or vulnerable people.

Many patients ask: “Is it too late to get vaccinated now?”. Doctors say no — even vaccination in December, January or later can provide meaningful protection. If you have chronic conditions or are unsure whether you should get the flu shot, you can discuss it with a doctor via an online family medicine consultation. ## Flu symptoms 2025–2026: how this season is presenting Flu in the 2025–2026 season presents with classic symptoms, but specialists are seeing a tendency towards a more abrupt onset and marked weakness during the first day of illness. Doctors note that flu symptoms in adults and children this season can become quite intense within the first hours. This is linked to the characteristics of the circulating H3N2 strain and its ability to replicate rapidly in the respiratory tract.

The most common symptoms include:

high fever (often above 38.5°C);
chills and muscle aches;
marked fatigue that may last for several days;
dry or painful cough;
headache and discomfort in the eyes;
sore throat;
in children — nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite.

The main feature that distinguishes flu from a common cold is the sudden onset of symptoms. If someone feels well in the evening and wakes up in the morning with fever, body aches and severe weakness, this is a typical pattern of flu.

It is also important to remember that COVID-19 is still circulating, and in some cases symptoms may overlap. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms or your condition feels severe, it is advisable to speak to a doctor — this can be done online with a general medicine doctor.

Flu prevention: measures that actually work

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of infection, doctors emphasise that a few simple measures can significantly reduce the chance of getting sick and help contain the flu wave.

Mask use in healthcare settings

In a number of regions, including the Valencian Community, local health authorities recommend wearing a mask in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and when visiting people with chronic conditions. The flu virus is transmitted mainly via respiratory droplets, so masks remain an effective protection measure in high-risk settings.

Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette

Regular handwashing, the use of hand sanitiser and proper respiratory etiquette (covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing) are key measures, especially during an epidemic. These recommendations also remain relevant for reducing the risk of COVID-19.

Ventilating indoor spaces

Flu spreads more easily in enclosed spaces. During the winter months, it is important to ventilate rooms regularly, particularly where many people are gathered.

Caution during festive gatherings

Holiday gatherings are a known factor in seasonal spikes of respiratory infections. If someone in the family develops symptoms, it is advisable to avoid close contact with older relatives and people with chronic illnesses.

These recommendations are especially important in December and January, when the number of family visits and trips within the country increases. Following basic preventive measures reduces the risk of infection not only for one person, but also for those around them.

What to do when flu symptoms appear

Most flu cases can be managed at home, but it is important to follow medically sound steps.

Stay well hydrated. Dehydration worsens the course of illness and increases the risk of complications.
Use antipyretic medicines if needed. They help control fever, especially when weakness is pronounced.
Rest and reduce activity. Flu puts a heavy strain on the body, so rest is essential.
Do not take antibiotics without a prescription. They do not work against viruses.
Limit close contact with others.People tend to be most contagious during the first 48 hours.

If fever persists for more than three days, chest pain appears, breathing becomes difficult or weakness is very strong, it is important to seek medical assessment. If visiting a doctor in person is difficult, you can contact a specialist remotely — for example, via an href="https://oladoctor.com/en/service/cold-and-flu">express cold and flu consultation, to clarify the next steps. Remember that the decision about when to see a doctor for flu depends not only on temperature, but also on how quickly your condition is worsening, and on the appearance of breathlessness or signs of dehydration. ## Antiviral medicines for flu: when they are really needed In addition to symptomatic treatment, antiviral medicines may be used for some flu cases. These medicines act directly on the flu virus and slow down its replication in the body. The best-known example in this group is oseltamivir, widely known under the brand name Tamiflu.

Several important points to keep in mind:

antiviral medicines work best if started within the first 48 hours after symptom onset;
they are usually recommended for people in risk groups (older adults, pregnant women, patients with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes or immune suppression);
only a doctor should decide whether to prescribe these medicines and choose the dose and duration, based on your clinical picture and other conditions;
self-medicating with antivirals without medical advice may be ineffective and potentially unsafe.

Even when taking oseltamivir or other antivirals, supportive care remains essential: fluid intake, temperature control, rest and monitoring of your condition. Medicines that “sometimes work against flu” are drugs with proven activity against flu viruses, but they are not a universal solution and do not replace proper medical follow-up. ## When urgent help is needed: warning signs in flu Some symptoms require immediate medical attention or calling emergency services:

difficulty breathing or shortness of breath;
confusion, disorientation or sudden drowsiness;
a marked drop in blood pressure or extreme weakness;
a child refusing to drink and signs of dehydration;
fever above 39°C that does not respond to medicines;
severe chest pain;
sudden worsening of a chronic disease.

Older adults and children are the groups in whom complications tend to develop more quickly, so it is important not to delay seeking help if these warning signs appear. ## How Oladoctor can help during the 2025–2026 flu season As flu incidence increases, many patients choose the online urgent care format. This helps avoid long waits in clinics and allows you to get medical advice quickly without leaving home.

An online doctor can:

assess your symptoms;
give recommendations on treatment;
explain whether an in-person examination is needed;
advise on how to reduce the risk of complications;
discuss questions around flu vaccination.

On Oladoctor you can find doctors from different specialties — general medicine doctors, family doctors and paediatricians. You can book an appointment at a time that suits you. ## Frequently asked questions about flu in Spain 2025–2026 ### 1. What do we know about the flu epidemic in Spain in the 2025–2026 season? According to data from the SiVIRA surveillance system, Spain entered the epidemic phase earlier than usual. The virus is actively circulating in most regions, with a high level of transmission among children, older adults and risk groups. ISCIII reports indicate that the current wave is developing faster than in previous years due to the early activity of the H3N2 subtype. ### 2. How do flu symptoms differ from a common cold? Flu usually starts suddenly: high fever, body aches, marked weakness and dry cough. A cold tends to develop gradually, with milder weakness and lower fever. In the 2025–2026 season, doctors especially note how intense the first days of flu can be. If you are not sure whether it is flu or a cold, it is advisable to speak to a doctor for an assessment. ### 3. Do I need to wear a mask in Spain during the flu wave? Regional health authorities, including those in the Valencian Community, recommend wearing a mask when visiting healthcare facilities and when in close contact with people from risk groups. This is due to high virus transmission in closed environments and seasonal outbreaks. Masks remain an effective protective measure during an epidemic. ### 4. Is vaccination still useful if the season is already under way? Yes. Vaccination remains the most effective protection, even when the season has reached an active phase. Flu vaccines reduce the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalisation and complications. The Spanish Ministry of Health stresses that getting vaccinated is still useful in December, January and even later. Patients with chronic conditions should discuss individual recommendations with their doctor. ### 5. When should I see a doctor for flu? You should see a doctor if fever lasts longer than three days, you develop shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or pronounced weakness. For children, red flags include refusal to drink, unusual sleepiness and signs of dehydration. In risk groups it is important not to wait for further deterioration before seeking help. ### 6. Can I take Tamiflu or other antiviral medicines for flu? Antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be effective, but only in specific situations. Doctors generally prescribe them for patients from risk groups — older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions or impaired immunity. They are most effective if started within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. These medicines should not be taken without medical advice: the decision to prescribe them should be made by a doctor, based on your condition and the risk of complications.

Flu season in Spain 2025–2026

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