WHO Reports Early Flu Spread Across Europe
According to the agency, the flu season began roughly four weeks earlier than in recent years. Of the 38 countries submitting surveillance data, at least 27 are reporting high or very high levels of influenza circulation. In Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom, more than half of patients tested for influenza-like symptoms have returned positive results.
"The flu comes around every winter, but this year is a little different," said Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Health officials said infections are being driven largely by a new A(H3N2) subclade K strain. While there is no indication it causes more severe illness, the WHO reported that this variant now represents up to 90% of confirmed influenza cases across the region.
Early findings from the United Kingdom suggest that this season’s influenza vaccine lowers the risk of serious complications from A(H3N2), even if it does not always prevent infection. The agency reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective tool to prevent severe disease—particularly among older adults, people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, children, and healthcare workers.
The WHO expects case numbers to continue climbing until the season reaches its peak, likely in late December or early January. While most people are expected to recover without treatment, the agency urged those experiencing severe symptoms or with existing medical conditions to seek professional care promptly.
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