Flu incidence in Catalonia falls, but transmission remains very high

Flu incidence in Catalonia dipped last week from 766 cases per 100,000 inhabitants to 544, according to the latest official data. Diagnosed cases also fell, from 407 to 373 per 100,000 inhabitants.

In recent weeks, the region has experienced its worst flu season in over a decade, with the surge in cases arriving much earlier than usual, when the peak typically occurs in the first weeks of the new year.

Cases now appear to be declining and growing more slowly, suggesting that the peak of the season may have already passed.

However, authorities warn that the level of transmission remains very high, and the Christmas festivities, when social activity increases significantly, have yet to take place.

In absolute numbers, nearly 30,300 cases were diagnosed last week, compared with 33,000 the week before.

Most detected cases are among people under 60, with the 15-44 age group accounting for the largest share.

Currently, 145 people are hospitalized, most of them over 60, with a significant number aged 80 and above.

Vaccination coverage against the flu stands at 67% for those over 80, 54% for people aged 70–79, and 41% for children aged 6 to 59 months.