An intense surge in flu cases driven by a newly dominant virus strain is sweeping across Europe, placing health systems in several countries under severe strain, the World Health Organization has warned.
The WHO said on Wednesday that at least 27 of the 38 countries in its European region were reporting high or very high levels of influenza activity.
In six countries, including Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia and the UK, more than half of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms tested positive for influenza.
The agency said the flu season had started around four weeks earlier than usual and urged the public to reduce transmission by getting vaccinated, staying at home when unwell and wearing masks in public when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
According to the WHO, a new seasonal flu variant, A(H3N2) sub-clade K, is driving the surge and accounts for up to 90 per cent of confirmed flu cases across the region.
It added, however, that there was no evidence the strain was causing more severe illness than in previous seasons.
Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, said the outbreak highlighted how minor genetic changes in flu viruses could have major consequences.
“Flu comes around every winter, but this year is a little different,” he said. “A small genetic variation can place enormous pressure on our health systems.”
Kluge also warned against misinformation, urging people to rely on advice from trusted health authorities.
“In a challenging flu season, accurate, evidence-based information can be lifesaving,” he said.
Early data from the UK shows the current flu vaccine reduces the risk of severe illness from the A(H3N2) strain, even if it does not always prevent infection, the WHO said.
Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, particularly for older people, pregnant women, children, those with underlying health conditions and healthcare workers.
The WHO said school-age children continue to be the main drivers of community transmission, while adults aged 65 and over account for most severe cases requiring hospital treatment.
Kluge said flu activity was expected to peak in late December or early January, stressing that the situation did not amount to a global emergency.
“This is not the level of crisis we faced during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. “We have long experience managing influenza, safe vaccines updated each year and proven protective measures.”
In the UK, the NHS said last week it was preparing for one of its most difficult winters on record, with growing pressure on GP practices, hospitals and ambulance services.
Germany’s Robert Koch Institute said the country’s flu season had begun two to three weeks earlier than normal.
France’s public health agency, Santé publique France, reported a sharp rise in flu activity nationwide, with increasing cases across all age groups and growing numbers of people seeking treatment in hospital emergency departments.
In Spain, infection rates have already exceeded last winter’s peak, with hospital admissions doubling within a week.
Romania and Hungary are also reporting strong increases in flu cases.
Read more news on www.newdailyprime.news
