Acute respiratory infections have entered an epidemic phase in Spain, coinciding with a new increase in covid. The national rate is approaching 480 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 373 the previous week, according to the report from the Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance System (SiVIRA) published this Thursday by the Carlos III Health Institute. The data corresponds to the period from September 21 to 27 and places the intensity of the epidemic at a "low" level.
Coronavirus stands out among the viruses identified in consultations. 27.2% of the samples analyzed in Primary Care test positive for SARS-CoV-2, compared to 4.1% for flu and 0.2% for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The estimated incidence of covid reaches 119.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, 28.7% more than the previous week. These figures come from health surveillance and allow estimating the circulation of the virus, with differences between territories.
The increase is also seen in hospitals, although admissions remain at low levels. The hospitalization rate for covid goes from 1.1 to 1.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. The rise is more pronounced among people aged 80 or older, where it increases from 9.1 to 16.7. In contrast, the highest rates of consultations for all respiratory infections are recorded among babies and children aged one to four years.
Genetic surveillance places XFG as the predominant lineage of the coronavirus, with around 55% of the characterized samples. Its expansion coincides with the rebound, although this predominance, by itself, does not allow concluding that it causes more severe conditions.
From the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, they explain that exceeding the epidemic threshold now "is within normality". In previous seasons, it occurred between weeks 38 and 39, precisely at these dates. Specialists point out that the overall increase includes different respiratory viruses and may be favored by the return to classrooms and in-person work and by more time spent indoors.
Vaccination and precautions against symptoms
The rebound is also being noticed in pharmacies. Juan Pedro Rísquez, vice president of the General Council of Pharmaceutical Associations, has explained that since the beginning of September, the dispensing of self-diagnosis tests has increased. He describes generally mild cases, but with symptoms that can be very bothersome, such as mucus, discomfort, and fever.
The recommendations of the Ministry of Health for the 2026-2027 season prioritize vaccination against covid in people aged 70 or over, residents in nursing homes and other closed institutions, pregnant women, and people with certain risk conditions. They also contemplate access for healthcare and social care professionals and for cohabitants or caregivers of vulnerable people. Each autonomous community establishes its calendar and procedure.
In case of fever, discomfort, or other respiratory symptoms, Health advises to limit contact with other people and use a mask, especially near those who are at greater risk of complications. It also recommends ventilating enclosed spaces, washing hands frequently, and covering with the elbow or a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing.
