Influenza season well underway across the WHO European Region: protect yourself, protect those around you

Since the official start of the seasonal influenza epidemic in late November 2024, indicators of respiratory infections have continued to rise across the WHO European Region. While the magnitude of the influenza season is within the expected range, it is important for health authorities and individuals to remain active in limiting the spread and protecting the most vulnerable, which includes older people, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and those with chronic conditions.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a common respiratory virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold, has recently been circulating in China and several other countries, including some European countries. This further highlights the need to be vigilant for respiratory viruses during the winter months.

"We have the tools, we have the knowledge - let's take action," said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

"Respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19, pose a significant challenge every winter, but there are simple measures everyone can take to protect themself and others."

How is the seasonal influenza epidemic detected?

Respiratory virus surveillance lead at WHO/Europe, Dr James Fielding, explained, "We conduct year-round surveillance on a range of respiratory illness indicators, which gives us detailed information about the circulating viruses through summer and winter, enabling detection and response to anything unusual".

"From early October each year, Member States ramp up their reporting so we can establish when the 'seasonal influenza epidemic' officially starts and measure the relative intensity of each season. Closely tracking the virus helps health systems adequately prepare and respond appropriately."

Influenza test positivity is one of the important metrics used to assess overall levels of influenza activity across the Region. Each influenza season, this percentage typically peaks at 50-60% in late January or February. While there might be some variation between countries, currently, the percentage of people tested for respiratory illness that are positive for influenza stands at 36%. This highlights that the season has not yet peaked and the number of hospitalizations is likely to continue rising in the coming weeks. It is important therefore that our health systems are primed.

What else should we look out for?

Alongside influenza, COVID-19 remains a threat and continues to circulate, especially during the winter months. Despite recent trends showing low numbers of cases, it is important to stay vigilant and use protective measures, given that this situation has the potential to develop at any time - such as with the emergence or re-emergence of variants with increased transmissibility.

Vaccination is still a vital tool to save lives among the most vulnerable. A WHO/Europe study published last year showed that the critical intervention of vaccines saved an estimated 1.6 million lives between December 2020 and March 2023.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, there have been more than 280 million confirmed cases and over 2.5 million people have died of the disease in the WHO European Region alone. As of 29 December 2024, over 777 million cases and over 7 million deaths were reported to WHO globally.

RSV is also a concern. It's a common virus but is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants and young children. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems are also at heightened risk of severe illness from RSV.

How can we protect ourselves and others?

The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that there are many simple actions individuals can take to keep themselves and others safer. We need to apply this accumulated knowledge to other respiratory infections when and where it matters. This means assessing our own level of risk and our risk to others, then applying protective measures to reduce the chances of catching and spreading respiratory infections, regardless of the virus that is causing them.

Protective measures for everybody include staying at home if sick, hand and cough hygiene, and adequate indoor ventilation. Vaccination is strongly recommended. In certain settings, such as crowded places, mask-wearing and physical distancing is also recommended, for at-risk groups.

While circulating widely, influenza and COVID-19 mostly cause severe disease to older people, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and those with chronic conditions. This highlights how important it is for vulnerable groups to protect themselves, including staying up to date with COVID-19 and influenza vaccination when offered. In some countries RSV vaccines are being offered to the elderly for the first time this season and WHO encourages them to get vaccinated against this virus if offered.

"Lots of people getting sick this winter doesn't need to be a given. The impact on our communities can be mitigated with coordinated action. By taking preventive measures, getting vaccinated and supporting the most vulnerable, we can navigate this challenging season together," said Dr Kluge.

For more information on vaccinations, prevention tips and the latest updates on respiratory illnesses, visit the WHO/Europe website.

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