The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning as a powerful wave of influenza sweeps across Europe, placing significant strain on healthcare services. The health body reports that the flu season has arrived roughly four weeks earlier than usual, driven by a newly dominant virus strain.
Widespread Activity and a New Dominant Strain
At least 27 out of the 38 countries in the WHO's European region are currently reporting "high or very high" levels of influenza activity. In six nations, including Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK, more than half of all patients presenting with flu-like symptoms are testing positive for the virus.
The surge is being propelled 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 clarified that there is no evidence to suggest this variant is causing more severe disease than previous strains.
Vaccination Remains the Key Defence
In response to the escalating situation, the WHO is strongly urging the public to get their seasonal flu jab. Early data from the UK confirms that while the vaccine may not always prevent infection, it significantly lowers the risk of developing severe illness from the circulating A(H3N2) strain.
"This is especially important for those at higher risk, including older persons, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children," the organisation stated. Healthcare workers are also highlighted as a priority group to protect both themselves and their patients.
Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO's Regional Director for Europe, emphasised the value of trusted information. "In a challenging flu season, trustworthy, evidence-based information can be lifesaving," he said, warning against the dangers of misinformation.
National Health Services Under Pressure
The early and intense flu wave is compounding existing pressures on national health systems. Britain's NHS has stated it is preparing for one of its most difficult winters on record, with GP surgeries, hospitals, and ambulance services all under mounting strain.
The situation is mirrored across the continent:
- Germany's Robert Koch Institute reported the flu season started two to three weeks early.
- France's Santé publique agency noted flu activity is "increasing strongly," with rising hospital visits.
- In Spain, infection rates have already surpassed last winter's peak, with hospitalisations doubling in a single week.
- Romania and Hungary are also experiencing strong surges in cases.
Kluge noted that while the season is serious, it does not represent the level of global emergency seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. "Our health systems have decades of experience managing influenza, we have safe vaccines that are updated annually, and we have a clear playbook of protective measures that work," he reassured.
The WHO advises that, alongside vaccination, people should help curb transmission by staying home if unwell and considering wearing a mask in public if they have respiratory symptoms. The flu season is expected to peak in late December or early January.
