Flu and Mask Sales Rise in Mexico Amid H3N2 concerns

Sales of face masks in Mexico are up as much as 30% in pharmacies, according to the Union of Pharmacy Owners. This increase is happening because people are trying to avoid catching respiratory illnesses like the flu or coronavirus – which are currently spreading more quickly this winter – and also to protect themselves against H3N2 flu, a virus gaining traction in countries like Spain, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

In an interview with Advertising Meter, Alejandro Macias Hernandez, an internist, said this disease will likely reach Mexico between January and February 2026. though, he doesn’t beleive it will cause a health emergency as large as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The H3N2 flu isn’t an epidemic or pandemic virus. What’s happening in Japan and the United kingdom is that the flu season is starting earlier, and this virus is spreading easily because it has changed,” he explained.

According to the “Epidemiological System of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses,” there have been 788 cases of influenza and three deaths from the flu so far this 2025-2026 season.

Coronavirus cases in Mexico-up to epidemiological week 48-total 7,154 positive cases and 265 deaths, according to official numbers. The arrival of the H3N2 flu will likely increase the number of suspected flu and COVID-19 cases.

What is H3N2 flu and its symptoms?

The most common symptoms of this flu include fever,nasal congestion,muscle pain,chills,and fatigue. However, this virus tends to affect children and older adults more seriously.

Macías Hernández, also a professor at the University of Guanajuato, explained that the H3N2 virus is a variation of seasonal influenza – which isn’t a pandemic threat – but warned that its arrival in Mexico could put more strain on hospitals, especially those treating respiratory illnesses.

“Mexico is always at risk for any pandemic, but especially for the seasonal influenza virus, since hospitals are usually very busy between December and…