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 are gone, the weather is still warm, and the cultural calendar is full of activities. But there’s one thing parents often don’t expect: the start of the school year in Spain also means the start of virus season.

Every September, my clinic sees a surge of children,  both those traveling with their families and those living in Barcelona because their parents work here. Many of these children attend international schools, where diverse student populations make viruses spread even faster. Whether you are here for a short family trip or your children are enrolled long-term in Barcelona, the health challenges are similar: September brings a higher risk of common childhood infections.

This article explains why September brings more illnesses for children, what the most common infections are, how to protect your kids, and when it’s time to see a doctor.

Why viruses spread more in September

1. Back to school effect Spanish schools reopen in early September, and so do most international schools in the city. Children,  both locals and expats,  spend long hours indoors in classrooms, sharing air, surfaces, and objects. The result is a sharp rise in the spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses.

2. International school diversity Barcelona hosts many international schools with children from dozens of countries. This diversity enriches the classroom experience, but it also brings different viral strains together. For families new to the city, this can mean catching illnesses their children may not have been exposed to before.

3. Changing weather While the days are still warm, evenings and nights in September are cooler. This daily fluctuation can strain the immune system, especially for children adjusting to a new environment or climate.

4. Tourist flow and new arrivals Barcelona doesn’t stop receiving visitors in September. Families on vacation share public spaces with newly arrived expat families settling into schools and housing. More movement of people equals more opportunities for viruses to circulate.

5. Seasonal allergies Humidity and pollen levels can mimic or worsen viral symptoms. Parents sometimes confuse allergy-related sneezing or coughing with infections, delaying appropriate treatment.

   
   

The most common illnesses in children this season

• Gastroenteritis Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, sometimes fever. Cause: contaminated food, water, or surfaces. It spreads quickly in schools and public spaces.

• Respiratory infections Symptoms: cough, congestion, sore throat, fever. Cause: colds, early flu-like illnesses, and bronchitis. These infections are particularly disruptive for children attending school for the first time in months.

• Hand-foot-and-mouth disease Symptoms: blisters in the mouth, hands, and feet, sometimes fever. Cause: viral infection common among preschool-aged children, spreads easily in group settings.

• Ear infections (otitis) Symptoms: ear pain, fever, irritability, sometimes hearing loss. Cause: often secondary to colds or swimming in pools without proper hygiene.

  
  

How parents can reduce risks

1. Promote hand hygiene Teach children to wash hands frequently with soap, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Hand sanitizer is a useful backup for travel days.

2. Stay hydrated Fever and stomach bugs cause fluid loss. Encourage children to drink small amounts regularly and use oral rehydration solutions if necessary.

3. Pack a travel or school health kit Bring a digital thermometer, paracetamol/ibuprofen suitable for children, oral rehydration salts, and any prescription medications.

4. Avoid sharing bottles and utensils Sharing increases the spread of viruses in classrooms, playgrounds, or during family outings.

5. Ensure rest and sleep Adjusting to a new school year,  or to a new country,  can be exhausting. Fatigue makes children more vulnerable to illness.

   
   

When to call a doctor

Seek medical care if your child has:

• A fever above 38.5ºC (101.3ºF) that doesn’t improve with medication.

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if accompanied by dehydration (dry lips, no urination for more than 8 hours, sunken eyes).

• Breathing difficulties, wheezing, or bluish lips.

• A rash accompanied by fever.

• Unusual drowsiness, irritability, or confusion.

  
  

Quick pediatric care can prevent small issues from becoming emergencies. For families abroad, having access to an English-speaking or multilingual doctor provides extra reassurance.

FAQs

Are Spanish pharmacies helpful for children’s illnesses? Yes. Pharmacists can recommend basic over-the-counter remedies. However, antibiotics and stronger treatments require a prescription.

Is flu common in September? Flu season in Spain usually peaks between November and March, but flu-like viruses start circulating as soon as schools reopen.

What if my child studies at an international school and gets sick? Most international schools in Barcelona will recommend seeing a local doctor. Having a trusted physician available ensures you get quick care in your language.

Can swimming pools spread infections? Yes. Otitis and gastroenteritis are common after pool exposure. Make sure children shower after swimming and avoid swallowing pool water.

Can allergies be mistaken for a cold? Absolutely. Seasonal allergies often cause sneezing and coughing that mimic viral infections. A doctor can help differentiate between the two.

Final thoughts

Barcelona in September is an excellent destination for families and also home to many international children attending local and international schools. With awareness of seasonal health risks and simple preventive steps, you can keep your kids healthy and enjoy life in the city,  whether you’re here on holiday or as part of the expat community.

If your child does fall ill, quick access to a multilingual doctor in Barcelona can make all the difference in resolving problems quickly and with peace of mind.

About the author

Dr. Stefan Botnar, MD – English Speaking Doctor in Barcelona for Tourists and Expat Families

Dr. Stefan Botnar is a board-certified English-speaking doctor in Barcelona with over 15 years of experience in internal medicine and public health. He provides fast, out-of-pocket consultations for international patients, specializing in preventive care, substance metabolism, travel-related issues, and especially STD/ETS testing and treatment.

His clinic, located at Carrer de la Marina, 16–18, Torre Mapfre, Barcelona, offers in-person and telemedicine appointments, immunizations, nutritional advice, and minor emergency care (fever, gastroenteritis, allergic reactions). Patients pay directly, no insurers required.

Dr. Botnar speaks English, Spanish, Russian, Romanian, and German, ensuring clear communication with a diverse international clientele. He delivers evidence-based diagnoses and tailored treatment plans, helping visitors and expat families prevent common ailments (heatstroke, food poisoning, pediatric infections) and offering comprehensive follow-up until they return home.

As a specialist in internal medicine, Dr. Botnar also focuses on the mind-body connection, supporting patients in navigating seasonal transitions and maintaining balance while living or traveling abroad.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms.