Dec 26, 2025
3 min read
Along with the celebration of Christmas and the increase in family reunions and social gatherings, the Ministry of Health calls on all citizens to take the highest possible preventive measures.
Flu on the rise in La Rioja: 23 admitted and 445 in hospital emergency treatment
At a time when respiratory infections are on the rise, public health requires strong safeguards to keep the Prevention Plan active and protect the most vulnerable over Christmas.The Ministry of Health and Social Policy updated the 2025-2026 Influenza and Acute Respiratory Infections Risk Plan for the 51st week, December 15-21, on the epidemic situation on Tuesday.
According to the General Directorate of Public Health, Consumption and Care, La Rioja is still in the epidemic phase.with moderate severityAnd an increase in the incidence of acute respiratory infections and influenza has been observed worldwide.slightly increasedas well as a slight increase in hospital admissions related to these diseases.Compared to the previous week
According to the surveillance plan, carried out by 24 groups of primary care health professionals, the number of respiratory diseases worldwide is 854.70 per 100,000 people, compared to 687.79 cases per 100,000 people recorded last week.The age group most affected is boys and girls under 4 years old, maintaining what was observed in previous weeks.
Regarding influenza, a new increase in the incidence rate was confirmed, reaching 212.86 cases per 100,000 people, compared to 193.21 cases per 100,000 people in the previous week.The incidence of COVID-19 remains stable at 3.27 cases per 100,000 people, with no change compared to the previous week.
On December 22, the health situation was as follows: 1 person hospitalized for COVID (compared to 4 the previous week), 23 people hospitalized for flu and 5 people hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).With regard to emergencies, yesterday 445 people were treated in the emergency department of Rioja Hospital: 364 at San Pedro University Hospital (263 adults and 101 pediatricians) and 81 (69 adults and 12 pediatricians) at Kalahora Hospital.
The medical program is still being completed, with a level of evaluation to ensure the ability to care, treat sick patients and coordinate with different levels of health care.
Along with the Christmas celebrations and due to the expected increase in family and social gatherings, the Ministry of Health and Social Policies recommends everyone to take the best preventive measures, especially to protect the most vulnerable people such as the elderly, chronic patients, immunocompromised, pregnant women and children.
Acute respiratory infections and flu tend to increase during these times due to increased social interaction, indoor gatherings, and intergenerational contact.Therefore, individual responsibility is the key to reducing infections and avoiding complications, especially in the highest risk groups.In this sense, citizens are reminded of the importance of following a series of simple but effective measures to reduce the transmission of respiratory viruses during Christmas celebrations:
- Avoid going to social or family gatherings if respiratory symptoms occur, such as fever, cough, sore throat or general weakness.
- Use extreme precautions when in contact with elderly or vulnerable people and use a mask if symptoms are mild.
- Adequate ventilation of closed rooms, opening windows regularly, even for a few minutes.
- Maintain good hand hygiene, wash them regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based solution.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, preferably with your elbow or something that can be used.
- Avoid unnecessary close contact with vulnerable people if you have recently had contact with cases of influenza or other respiratory infections.
- Follow vaccination recommendations, especially in risk groups.
Vaccination campaign continues
Vaccination campaigns from 2025 to 2026 continue to progress with significant increases in coverage.A total of 87,643 flu shots were administered (1,500 more than the previous week).The coverage rate for people over 65 was 63.80%, up one point from last week.In the case of COVID-19, a total of 37,857,500 drugs were administered, with a coverage rate of 77.71%, up from 70%, the same number as last week.
The vaccination campaign will continue to work in La Rioja as long as the virus is circulating, and is always dependent on the availability of vaccines.And citizens who need it can request an appointment by calling the telephone number Salud Responde (941 29 83 33, option 2), manage through the Rioja Salud application or website, or contact the health center or office directly.
The Government of La Rioja will continue to update the evolution of influenza, respiratory infections and health conditions every week, with the aim of ensuring clear communication and providing better information to people and healthcare workers.
