Seasonal influenza cases are rising sharply across Europe, with health authorities closely monitoring developments as this year’s flu wave began roughly four weeks earlier than usual. The surge is linked to the dominance of the K sublineage of influenza A(H3N2), which is spreading quickly across the continent.
Speaking to the Athens–Macedonian News Agency, Theodora Psaltopoulou, Professor of Epidemiology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, noted that the K sublineage appears to transmit faster and is driving higher case numbers. She clarified that there is no evidence so far that it causes more severe illness in the general population, but its rapid spread is increasing the burden on health systems.
Rising pressure on health systems
According to the World Health Organization, this strain now accounts for up to 90 percent of confirmed flu cases in Europe. Transmission is particularly high among children aged 5 to 14, while some countries are reporting increases in hospital admissions, especially among people aged 65 and over.
In the United Kingdom, the National Health Service is experiencing one of the most strained winter seasons in recent years. Thousands of patients are being admitted daily, mostly older individuals and those with underlying conditions, at a time when other respiratory viruses are also circulating. The overlap is causing delays in emergency departments and a shortage of available beds.
The WHO notes that flu spreads mainly through respiratory droplets, as well as via contaminated surfaces, especially in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. The festive season, marked by prolonged indoor gatherings, heightens the risk of rapid transmission.
Who is most at risk
International health agencies agree that the following groups face higher risk of severe complications:
• adults over 60
• people with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, diabetes or kidney failure
• immunocompromised individuals
• pregnant women
• young children up to 5 years old
For these groups, influenza can lead to pneumonia, worsening of underlying conditions and, frequently, hospitalisation.
Vaccination, masks and protection measures
The WHO continues to emphasise that annual flu vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. Even when administered later in the season, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and death, especially in vulnerable groups.
In Greece, vaccination is offered free of charge, including enhanced vaccines for older adults, while a nasal spray vaccine is now available for children. Additional protective steps such as hand hygiene, good ventilation, avoiding close contact when symptomatic and wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces remain important tools for limiting community transmission.
For individuals at high risk of complications, early initiation of antiviral treatment is recommended as soon as symptoms consistent with influenza appear, regardless of test confirmation. Diagnostic kits that differentiate between influenza A or B, Covid-19 and RSV are now widely available.
Source: AMNA