Mallorca-Spain Flu Epidemic Triggers Urgent Bed Expansion as Winter Virus Wave Intensifies
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 06, 2025 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
Medical News: Hospitals Prepare for Rising Pressure
Mallorca’s healthcare system is bracing for a sharp rise in flu and respiratory virus admissions as regional authorities confirm that the islands have now officially entered an epidemic phase. Health officials revealed that the Balearic Health Service is ready to activate up to 215 additional hospital beds across the islands to cope with the surge in emergency cases. These measures are part of the annual Winter Plan, initiated each December to strengthen the system against predictable seasonal spikes. This
Medical News report highlights how swiftly regional teams are mobilizing in response to this unusual early wave caused by the mutated H3N2 flu virus.
A rapid hospital response is underway as flu cases surge earlier than usual
The expansion includes 70 beds at Son Espases University Hospital, 57 at Son Llàtzer, 9 at Manacor Hospital, 20 at Mateu Orfila, 19 at Can Misses and 40 additional beds at Sant Joan de Déu Hospital. Staffing reinforcements will cover doctors, nurses, nursing assistants and orderlies to ensure continuous care during peak demand. Authorities emphasize that this coordinated strategy is essential as respiratory virus transmission accelerates earlier than expected this year.
Primary Care and Emergency Reinforcement
To reduce pressure on hospitals, Mallorca Primary Care Management will strengthen home care by deploying an emergency SUAP team from 3 p.m. Fridays to 8 a.m. Mondays, comprising a doctor, nurse and driver. The Winter Plan includes faster preparation of beds for discharged patients, increased on-call medical teams during holidays, expanded diagnostic capacity in microbiology and radiology, temporary reduction in scheduled hospital activities and wider use of home-hospitalization alternatives.
Coordination between hospitals, primary care centres and SAMU 061 remains a cornerstone of the response. In situations of overload, SAMU 061 may redirect emergency patients between facilities to balance capacity. Health officials urge residents to seek primary care services first for mild symptoms, ensuring emergency units remain free for severe cases.
Flu Cases Rise Sharply Across the Islands
Regional Health Minister Manuela García confirmed that the Balearics now register 37.3 infections per 100,000 inhabitants, officially marking the beginning of a flu epidemic. She warned that the peak is expected during the Christmas holiday period and strongly advised both symptomatic individuals and healthcare workers to wear masks.
To date, children seem the most affected with the number of pediatric infections needing hospitalization surpassing that of adults by almost 70 percent.
The arrival of the flu surge four weeks earlier than usual has puzzled authorities, as this pattern has not been seen in several years. Updated national guidelines recommend mask use in hospitals, nursing homes and by anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms.
>Ongoing Public Health Measures
Officials continue to stress frequent hand washing, mask-wearing when ill and limiting contact with elderly or immunocompromised individuals. They also emphasise using the correct healthcare resource based on symptom severity, helping prevent system saturation as the winter virus season progresses.
Overall, Mallorca’s comprehensive Winter Plan demonstrates how regional systems are preparing for an early and intense wave of flu and respiratory illnesses. The combination of expanded capacity, reinforced staffing and proactive public guidance is expected to lessen the strain during the weeks ahead and keep services functioning effectively.
Media References:
https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2025/12/06/138679/mallorca-flu-epidemic-health-service-may-activate-215-beds-respond-spike-admissions-due-respiratory-viruses.html
https://www.majorcadailybulletin.com/news/local/2025/12/04/138615/balearic-flu-epidemic-confirmed-wear-face-masks-curb-infections-says-government.html
https://murciatoday.com/masks_made_mandatory_in_murcia_hospitals_and_health_centres_10002
https://theleader.info/2025/12/06/spain-in-unison-over-facemasks-as-it-adopts-new-plan-for-winter-respiratory-viruses/
For the latest H3N2 Flu news, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu
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