Flu Wave in Austria is in a Hurry This Year

The flu wave in Austria has officially begun. In the past calendar week, influenza viruses were detected in over 20 percent of samples from patients at selected doctors, and an increase was observed throughout the entire country. This signals the start of the flu wave in Austria, the Center for Virology at MedUni Vienna announced on Tuesday. The wave is thus arriving about four weeks earlier than in previous seasons.

Start of the Flu Wave in Austria

The new Influenza A(H3N2)K variant currently dominates, it was explained. Compared to previous seasons, sporadic influenza virus detections were already noticeable at the end of October this year. Most of Europe is also continuing to see increasing flu cases. 21 out of 36 countries reported regional or widespread influenza virus activity, reported MedUni.

Sick Leaves Increased

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) recorded significant increases in sick leave due to flu-like infections and the "real flu" (influenza) among its insured members last week. The number of sick leave notifications due to influenza increased from 891 to 1,572 compared to the previous week. Sick leaves with Covid-19 also slightly increased from 2,206 to 2,404.

"To protect yourself from severe illness and complications due to influenza, the free flu vaccination is advisable. Check with your general practitioner to see if the nationwide free flu vaccination is offered at your practice," recommended ÖGK Chief Medical Officer Andreas Krauter in a statement. The participating vaccination sites are also listed on the ÖGK and federal websites - www.impfen.gv.at.

(APA/Red)

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