The new strain of flu spreading in Europe is putting enormous pressure on healthcare services.
This was stated by Hans Kluge, Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe.
He said that influenza is observed every year in the winter season, but this year the situation is different. "Even a small genetic mutation of the disease can put a huge burden on the health system," Kluge stressed.
The flu season in Europe is expected to peak in late December or early January, he said, adding that the situation was serious, but not at the level of a global emergency like during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the WHO, approximately 90% of confirmed flu cases in Europe are caused by the A(H3N2) virus – the strain known as the "Hong Kong flu".
In France, health services are seeing strong activity of this kind among different age groups. In Spain, flu cases have already surpassed last year's figures. In Germany, the flu season has started two to three weeks earlier than usual.
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