Older Britons flying to Tenerife and Lanzarote to enjoy the winter sun should wear a mask in public places and have protective vaccinations before travelling, health chiefs have warned.
The urgent alert has been prompted by an explosion of “deadly” winter viruses in the Canary Islands, a popular holiday spot for those seeking Christmas holidays abroad.
Cases of Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have quintupled in the region since August, prompting an official alert from the College of Primary Care Physicians of the Canary Islands.
According to Spanish authorities, the three viruses combined currently affect a whopping 794 people per 100,000.
In England, the figure is about 60 per 100,000, about 10 times lower than in the Spanish archipelago, government data shows.
While the viruses cause mild symptoms in most healthy young people, older Britons with underlying illnesses and babies are at risk of life-threatening illnesses.
Ana Joyanes, president of the Canarian Association of Primary Care Doctors (AMAPCAN), warned that cases in the region are expected to continue increasing during the winter months. GB News information.
Doctors continue to urge vulnerable travelers to get vaccinated against flu and Covid before visiting the Canary Islands (pictured, Lanzarote) to avoid serious illness and overloading emergency services.
The Ministry of Health will meet in November to decide whether mandatory mask-wearing is necessary to help control the spread.
The peak of the previous season occurred in mid-December last year, reaching 1,296 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Joyanes said: “Vaccination is essential to mitigate the impact of these infections or avoid them completely, especially if you are over 60 years old or classified as vulnerable.”
“Anyone with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask to prevent transmission.”
‘Both the flu and Covid can be deadly. “If we are protected, we will do better against viruses,” he added.
The region’s Health Ministry will meet in November to decide whether mandatory mask-wearing is necessary to help control the spread.
The Canary Islands are a popular winter sunbathing spot, with millions of Brits heading to the Spanish region every year.
Tourists traveling to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, El Hierro, La Gomera or La Palma are affected by the alert.
The health warning comes as Brits are told to prepare for a “quadrupedemia” amid a rise in norovirus cases.
Vomiting rates soared by 40 per cent last month, piling pressure on the health service before the season reaches its peak. Covid, RSV and flu are also believed to increase this winter.
Cough, runny nose and loss of taste and smell are telltale signs of Covid.
Norovirus can show symptoms similar to Covid, with both viruses causing chills, fever and headaches. However, it also causes explosive vomiting and diarrhea.
The stomach virus usually goes away on its own in two or three days.
