The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) called on European Union countries to speed up vaccination because flu cases are rising unusually early with a new strain.
According to the risk assessment published on the ECDC website, compared to previous years, cases are emerging three to four weeks earlier and circulation is being driven by a new strain of influenza A (H3N2), subtype K.
Although there is still uncertainty regarding the impact of the upcoming flu season on public health, the ECDC says authorities should prepare for the scenario of “a more severe flu season” in Europe, especially if there is low vaccination uptake.
A higher-than-normal number of infections would also increase pressure on health systems, warns the ECDC.
“We are seeing an increase in flu cases much earlier than normal this year and this means that time is crucial”, says the head of the Respiratory Viruses section at ECDC, Edoardo Colzani, appealing: “If you are eligible for vaccination, please don’t wait. Getting vaccinated now is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness this winter.”
ECDC insists that people at highest risk of developing serious illness should get vaccinated without delay.
These groups include people over the age of 65, pregnant women, people with pre-existing and chronic illnesses or who are immunocompromised, and people living in closed environments such as long-term care facilities and nursing homes.
It also recommends vaccination for healthcare professionals or workers in long-term care institutions.
It advises health services and long-term care institutions to strengthen their preparedness plans and infection prevention and control measures, in addition to encouraging employees and visitors to wear masks during periods of greater circulation of respiratory viruses.
The ECDC also advocates that healthcare professionals should consider immediately administering antivirals to patients at increased risk of developing severe illness to reduce complications.
Healthcare providers should also consider using antiviral prophylaxis during outbreaks in closed settings, such as long-term care facilities or nursing homes.
It also calls on countries to promote “clear and personalized communication” about vaccination, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to help reduce community transmission.
According to ECDC, in a typical season, influenza causes substantial morbidity in the European population, with up to 50 million symptomatic cases and 15,000 to 70,000 deaths per year.
Portugal recorded 1,609 excess deaths during the flu epidemic from December 2024 to January 2025, a period coinciding with the flu epidemic and extreme temperatures, mainly affecting women and people over 85 years of age.
The Center for Disease Control warns that all age groups are affected, although children have higher rates of illness and are generally the first to become ill and transmit the disease in their homes, which can drive community transmission.
It is estimated that up to 20% of the population contracts influenza annually, resulting in school and work absences and a “significant impact” on health systems, warns the Center for Disease Control, warning that the impact is greater in closed environments, such as long-term care facilities.