The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning as an intense wave of influenza sweeps across Europe, placing significant pressure on healthcare services. The flu season has arrived roughly four weeks earlier than usual, with a newly dominant virus strain causing widespread infection.
Widespread Activity and a New Dominant Strain
At least 27 out of 38 countries in the WHO's European region are currently reporting high or very high levels of influenza activity. In six nations, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Serbia, and Slovenia, more than half of all patients presenting with flu-like symptoms are testing positive for the virus.
The surge is being driven by a specific seasonal flu variant known as A(H3N2) sub-clade K. This strain is now responsible for up to 90% of all confirmed flu cases in the region. However, the WHO has stated there is no evidence that this genetic variation is causing more severe disease than previous strains.
Vaccination and Protective Measures are Crucial
Health officials are strongly urging the public to get vaccinated against flu. Early data from the UK confirms that the flu vaccine lowers the risk of severe illness from the circulating A(H3N2) strain, even if it may not always prevent infection. Vaccination is described as the single most important preventive step.
"This is especially important for those at higher risk, including older persons, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children," the WHO emphasised. Healthcare workers are also a priority group to protect both themselves and their patients.
Alongside vaccination, the WHO advises people to stay home if unwell and to consider wearing a mask in public if they have respiratory symptoms to help curb transmission.
National Health Services Under Strain
The early and sharp rise in cases is testing health systems across the continent. In the UK, the NHS has said it is bracing for one of its most difficult winters on record, with mounting pressure on GP surgeries, hospitals, and ambulance services.
The situation is mirrored elsewhere:
- In Germany, the Robert Koch Institute reported the flu season started two to three weeks early.
- France's public health agency noted flu activity is "increasing strongly," with rising hospital emergency visits.
- Spain's infection rates have already surpassed last winter's peak, with hospitalisations doubling in a week.
- Romania and Hungary are also experiencing strong surges in cases.
Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO’s Regional Director for Europe, noted that while flu is an annual event, this season is different. "It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems," he said.
Dr Kluge also stressed the danger of misinformation, advising people to seek credible information from trusted sources like national health agencies and the WHO. "In a challenging flu season, trustworthy, evidence-based information can be lifesaving," he added.
The flu season is expected to peak in late December or early January. While serious, Dr Kluge clarified that this does not represent the level of global emergency seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that health systems have decades of experience managing seasonal influenza.
