Flu surge in the Canary Islands triggers wider use of face masks
The flu epidemic continues to intensify in the Canary Islands, with the latest monitoring data showing the regional flu rate rising to 194.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants last week. This increase moves the archipelago into Level 2, classified as a medium-risk by the regional Ministry of Health.
Health authorities have strengthened their recommendation for the use of surgical masks. Healthcare workers, patients, and visitors are advised to wear masks in all areas of medical facilities, while staff in social-care centres are urged to do the same to protect vulnerable groups.
The aim is to curb virus transmission and reduce infections among high-risk populations.
The Ministry is also reminding the public that anyone showing flu-like symptoms, as well as those in professions involving prolonged face-to-face contact with the public, should wear a mask in shared spaces.
With family gatherings and festive events taking place mostly indoors at this time of year, people with symptoms such as cough, fever, general discomfort, sore throat, congestion, or a runny nose are advised to use masks as a precaution.
Authorities further recommend frequent handwashing, ventilating indoor spaces, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using disposable tissues, avoiding close contact with vulnerable people, and not sharing utensils, towels, or other items that may carry saliva or respiratory secretions.
According to the latest Acute Respiratory Infection Surveillance Report for Primary Care, the week of 15th–21st December saw flu rates jump from 151.4 to 194.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This figure already exceeds the peak recorded during the 2024–25 season, when the highest rate reached 171.51 cases in mid-January.
The epidemic has therefore arrived four weeks earlier than last season, and the figures do not yet include the expected rise following Christmas and New Year gatherings.
The incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) overall increased to 1,085.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 909.7 the previous week. Bronchiolitis rose to 5.4 cases, while COVID-19 cases fell to 1.9. Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) hospitalisations also climbed, reaching fifteen.
The flu vaccination is recommended for everyone over 60 and those in a vulnerable group.
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