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Flu cases are skyrocketing in Spain: what are the symptoms and how to tell it apart from Covid?
Flu infections are soaring across Spain this autumn, with experts warning of a tough season ahead
Spain is seeing a sharp rise in flu cases as autumn settles in, with some municipalities reporting levels far higher than last year. After years of focusing on Covid-19, it’s now the flu that’s spreading rapidly through communities, particularly in the north.
In Vizcaya, the Basque Ministry of Health reported 506 flu cases last week, which is almost five times more than during the same period in 2023. Experts believe this could signal what’s to come in the rest of the country.
Further south, health authorities in the Region of Murcia have already stepped up vaccination efforts, adding afternoon appointments and even opening some health centres on Saturdays to cope with demand.
Although Spain hasn’t yet reached the epidemic threshold, doctors are bracing for a difficult few months. To understand what's coming, experts recommend looking at what has already happened in the southern hemisphere, which is now entering spring.
"The season has been characterised by a very high percentage of cases of H1N1 influenza, the pandemic strain that was established among us in 2009; and towards the end of the season, cases of H3N2 influenza have been relatively more prevalent," explained microbiologist Diego García, spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC).
"The fear is that the viruses coming, the clades of these flu subtypes, are somewhat unique and don't exactly match the vaccine strains we have. This year's vaccine effectiveness may not be extraordinarily high," he added worryingly.
But there is some good news. While flu infections rise, Covid-19 numbers appear to be moving in the opposite direction. Data from Spain’s Carlos III Health Institute show that after a small increase in September, coronavirus cases have been falling again. The latest report puts the national rate at 37.9 cases per 100,000 people, down from 99.3 per 100,000 a month earlier.
Experts now consider Covid “almost endemic,” meaning it’s here to stay but no longer causing large-scale outbreaks like in the past.
How to tell the difference between the flu and Covid
With both viruses circulating at the same time, it can be tricky to know which one you’ve caught. Their symptoms overlap heavily and the only sure way to confirm is with an antigen or PCR test.
However, the Mayo Clinic offers some general guidance that can help you spot the differences:
- Headache: Common in both flu and Covid-19.
- Cough: Usually present with flu; often dry and occasional in Covid-19.
- Muscle aches: Common with flu; can appear with Covid-19.
- Fatigue: Frequently present with both viruses.
- Sneezing and sore throat: Can appear in either case.
- Runny or congested nose: Common in both infections.
- Fever: More common with flu; sometimes with Covid-19.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea: Sometimes occur with both, particularly in children with flu.
- Shortness of breath: Can happen in both, usually more concerning in Covid-19.
- Loss of taste or smell: More specific to Covid-19; rare in flu.
Timing can also offer a clue. coronavirus symptoms tend to appear 2–14 days after exposure, while flu symptoms usually show up within 1–4 days.
Although both can make you feel miserable, Covid is more likely to lead to severe illness or complications in vulnerable people. Doctors recommend getting vaccinated against both viruses where possible, maintaining good hygiene and staying home if you feel unwell to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
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