Tormenting cough, runny nose, headache, often accompanied by fever. There is an increase in flu activity across Europe. The number of absenteeism due to illness is increasing. But Covid-19 is declining.
After the end of the Christmas holidays, virologists from Meduni Vienna report increased activity of the flu virus throughout Austria. “Since the beginning of this week, a further increase has been observed in the number of detections of influenza viruses in clinical samples from all over Germany,” explains virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz. This marks the start of the flu wave in Austria.
The majority of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are currently circulating. The good news: the circulating viruses correspond to the virus strains that occur in the flu vaccinations. “This would be the right time for a vaccination. Because the actual flu wave still awaits us,” advises Andreas Krauter, chief physician at the ÖGK, who recommends wearing a mask.
The number of flu cases is increasing throughout Europe
Nearly 213,500 employees are already registered as disabled. They usually suffer from flu-like infections, influenza or Covid. The flu viruses are circulating not only in Austria, but also in the rest of Europe, while a decline in Covid-19 has been observed. In particular, Belgium, Croatia, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden are reporting widespread influenza virus activity.
Since July 1, 2023, Covid-19 is no longer considered a reporting disease, resulting in fewer tests being conducted. So if you have no complaints, you don’t show up. The actual infection process therefore becomes visible through wastewater monitoring. 48 sewage treatment plants with their catchment area cover 58 percent of the Austrian population.
Source: Krone
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