New flu strain putting severe pressure on healthcare across Europe, says WHO
At least 27 of 38 countries in WHO’s European region are reporting high or very high influenza activity, body says
TL;DR
- A new dominant flu strain, A(H3N2) sub-clade K, is driving a severe flu season in Europe.
- At least 27 of 38 countries in the WHO European region report high or very high influenza activity.
- The flu season started approximately four weeks earlier than in previous years.
- The WHO urges vaccination, staying home when unwell, and wearing masks in public for respiratory symptoms.
- Vaccination is the most important preventive step, especially for high-risk individuals and healthcare workers.
- School-age children are the primary drivers of community spread, while adults over 65 represent the majority of severe cases requiring hospitalization.
- Several countries, including Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia, the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Romania, and Hungary, are experiencing significant flu activity and pressure on their health systems.