The World Health Organization has warned that an intense surge in influenza cases, driven by a new virus strain, is placing severe pressure on healthcare systems across Europe. At least 27 of the 38 countries in the WHO European region are reporting high or very high influenza activity, with more than half of patients with flu-like symptoms testing positive in six nations, including Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia and the UK.
The flu season began roughly four weeks earlier than in previous years, the WHO said on Wednesday. The new seasonal variant, A(H3N2) sub-clade K, accounts for up to 90% of confirmed flu cases in the region, although there is no evidence it causes more severe disease. Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, stressed that a small genetic variation in the virus can place enormous pressure on health systems and urged populations to curb transmission through vaccination, staying home if unwell, and wearing masks in public if symptomatic.
Kluge also highlighted the danger of misinformation, advising people to seek credible information from trusted sources. Early data from the UK confirm that the flu vaccine lowers the risk of severe illness from the A(H3N2) strain, though it may not prevent infection. The WHO emphasised that vaccination remains the single most important preventive step, especially for older adults, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women, children, and health workers. School-age children are the primary drivers of community spread, but adults aged 65 and older constitute the majority of severe hospitalisations.
The flu season is expected to peak in late December or early January. Kluge noted that while serious, the current outbreak does not represent the level of global emergency seen during the Covid-19 pandemic, and health systems have decades of experience managing influenza. Britain’s NHS is bracing for one of its worst winters, while Germany’s flu season started two to three weeks early. In France, flu activity is increasing strongly across all age groups, and in Spain, infection rates have already surpassed last winter’s peak, with hospitalisations doubling in a week. Romania and Hungary are also experiencing strong surges.
