Editorial: El País

• Spain is suffering from a seasonal epidemic of respiratory viruses, including influenza A, which is collapsing healthcare centers and stressing hospitals.
• The Spanish healthcare system, although effective during the pandemic, suffers from structural deficiencies, particularly in primary care, evident in times of crisis.
• A chronic deficit of professionals and the loss of family doctors in recent years is exacerbating the crisis.
• Many of the cases do not require specialist attention, suggesting a need for greater health education among citizens.
• Low vaccination rates and poor management of sick leave are contributing to the worsening situation.
• The broadening use of masks and other public health measures are being proposed.

Conclusion: To combat the crisis, it is essential to reinforce public health services, improve management of sick leave, implement prophylactic measures such as mandatory mask use, and support healthcare workers, whose working conditions have worsened due to workload overload.

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