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Dr Stefan Botnar | English speaking Doctor in Barcelona specialized in caring for international patients


Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Expat Life in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city filled with light , literally. With over 2,500 hours of sunshine each year, it’s hard to imagine that anyone here could struggle with low mood or seasonal depression. Yet every autumn, I meet patients , especially expatriates , who come to my clinic saying the same thing: “Doctor, I don’t understand it. The weather is beautiful, but I feel tired, unmotivated, and sad for no reason.” This pattern is common and often linked to a subtle but real condition kno

Stefan Botnar
5 days ago5 min read


Flu Season in Barcelona: Why October Is the Right Time for a Flu Shot
October marks a quiet but important turning point in Barcelona. The air cools, terraces are less crowded, and locals trade beachwear for light jackets. But as the seasons shift, so does the city’s health landscape, and the flu virus begins its yearly return . Every autumn, my clinic starts seeing more patients with fever, cough, and fatigue, both locals and international residents. Many travelers assume that the Mediterranean climate protects against the flu. The truth is tha

Stefan Botnar
Oct 204 min read


Cold, Flu, or COVID? How to Tell the Difference This Autumn
As temperatures drop and terraces fill with scarves instead of sunglasses, a familiar question starts to circulate in Barcelona: “Do I have a cold, the flu… or COVID?” Every autumn, my clinic sees a surge in patients , both tourists and expats , who arrive worried about fever, cough, and fatigue. The symptoms can look deceptively similar, yet the causes (and the level of concern) are very different. For travelers and international residents, the confusion is even greater. Lon

Stefan Botnar
Oct 155 min read


Vitamin D Deficiency in Barcelona: The Hidden Autumn Problem
Barcelona is known for its endless sunshine, outdoor lifestyle, and Mediterranean charm. Many people move here , or visit regularly , believing that the bright Spanish weather automatically guarantees good health. Yet every autumn, I see patients who feel inexplicably tired, moody, or lacking in energy , despite the sun. The cause often surprises them: vitamin D deficiency . In a city that enjoys more than 2,500 hours of sunlight a year, it sounds almost impossible. But as da

Stefan Botnar
Oct 25 min read


European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Barcelona: What Tourists and Expats Should Know
Barcelona is one of Europe’s top destinations, a city of art, architecture, beaches, and world-class cuisine. Every year, thousands of...

Stefan Botnar
Sep 285 min read


Post-Vacation Blues in Barcelona: How to Manage Stress and Anxiety After the Summer
Barcelona in September is a city in transition. The high heat of summer starts to soften, the flow of tourists begins to thin, and the...

Stefan Botnar
Sep 184 min read


Back-to-School Viruses in Barcelona: What International Families Should Know
Barcelona in September is vibrant, welcoming, and full of life. For many families, it’s the perfect time to visit: the crowds of August...

Stefan Botnar
Sep 114 min read


Why September in Barcelona Can Still Put You at Risk of Dehydration
Barcelona in September has a unique charm. The city feels calmer than in August, yet it’s still alive with festivals, late-summer...

Stefan Botnar
Sep 44 min read


Is That Just a Bug Bite? How to Know When It’s Something More
Barcelona’s warm summer weather makes it a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.

Stefan Botnar
Aug 282 min read


How to Travel Safely with Prescription Medication
Why is traveling with medication sometimes risky? Travelling abroad when you take regular medication requires more than just remembering...

Stefan Botnar
Aug 232 min read


How to Enjoy Barcelona’s Nightlife Without Needing a Doctor
Why do so many tourists end up needing medical care after partying? Barcelona is famous for its nightlife — rooftop cocktails, beach...

Stefan Botnar
Aug 202 min read


3 Common Tourist Health Problems in Barcelona (and How to Avoid Them)
Tourists in Barcelona Why do tourists often get sick in Barcelona during summer? Barcelona in August is one of the most exciting places...

Stefan Botnar
Aug 103 min read


How safe are spring “detox” diets?
When spring arrives, so does the desire for a fresh start — and many people turn to so-called “detox” diets to reset their bodies and...

Stefan Botnar
Jun 253 min read


What is spring fatigue and how can you overcome it?
With the arrival of spring, many people experience an unexpected dip in energy. Despite longer, sunnier days, you might find yourself...

Stefan Botnar
Jun 193 min read


Five myths about depression that people should know about
Depression is one of the most common and serious mental health conditions worldwide. Yet despite its prevalence, it remains one of the...

Stefan Botnar
Jun 175 min read


How long does alcohol stay in your body?
Knowing how long alcohol stays in your system is essential, whether you're preparing for a medical test, planning a night out, or simply curious about how your body processes alcohol. While the exact duration varies from person to person, there are general timelines and biological processes that apply to most people.
Understanding how your body metabolizes alcohol, and what factors influence this process, can help you make safer choices and avoid unwanted consequences, such

Stefan Botnar
Jun 64 min read
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