Overview
- National surveillance for Dec. 15–21 reports 192.6 flu-like cases per 100,000 with medium epidemic intensity and only a 2% weekly decline that does not confirm a downturn.
- Laboratory positivity reached 42.4% for influenza versus 0.7% for COVID-19, indicating influenza is driving current respiratory illness.
- Hospital impact stands at 9.2 admissions per 100,000, with 4.5% of inpatients requiring ICU care and 3.9% dying, according to ISCIII.
- Emergency departments face heavy pressure, with some regions registering roughly a 50% rise in hospital admissions during the holiday period, SEMES and regional reports indicate.
- Health authorities urge vaccination of high‑risk groups and reserve antivirals such as oseltamivir and zanamivir for hospitalized or high‑risk patients, while mild cases should be managed at home with pharmacy support.