New influenza strain circulates in Europe

• The early arrival of seasonal influenza has continued sweeping across Europe, with at least 27 European countries reporting “high or very high” flu activity.

• In six countries — Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK — more than one in two patients with influenza-like symptoms tested positive for the virus, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

• A new strain – A(H3N2) subclade K – is driving infections, though there is no evidence that it causes more severe disease. 

• This new variant of seasonal flu now accounts for up to 90 per cent of all confirmed influenza cases in the European Region. 

• As in previous episodes of influenza, school-aged children are the primary drivers of community spread. 

• But adults aged at least 65 are usually most at risk, constituting the majority of severe cases that require hospitalisation.

• Vaccination remains the single most important preventive step to avoid severe health outcomes. 

• This is especially important for those at higher risk, including older people, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children.