Flu season starts weeks early across EU, ECDC says

Health agency urges eligible groups to get vaccinated as new influenza strain drives spike in cases

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on Thursday reported that influenza detections are rising “unusually early” across the EU compared with recent years, urging eligible people to get vaccinated “without delay”.

According to the agency, the spike is being driven by a newly emerged influenza strain, A(H3N2) subclade K, which is manifesting “three to four weeks earlier” than in the past two seasons.

“We are seeing influenza detections increasing much earlier than usual this year, and that means time is critical,” Edoardo Colzani, ECDC Head of Respiratory Viruses said.

“If you are eligible for vaccination, please don’t wait. Getting vaccinated now is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness this winter.”

ECDC said it was preparing for a scenario that could see Europe face “a more severe influenza season than previously, especially if there is low vaccine uptake”.

Last month the Health Ministry in Malta launched its annual seasonal vaccination campaign providing free vaccinations against the most recent variants of influenza and the COVID-19 virus.

 

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