By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – World health agency on Wednesday said that the early arrival of seasonal influenza has continued sweeping across Europe, with at least 27 European countries reported “high or very high” flu activity.
According to WHO, Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK more than 1 in 2 patients with influenza-like symptoms tested positive for the virus.
UN agency confirmed that a new influenza variant called A (H3N2) now accounts for up to 90% of all confirmed cases in the European region.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe said “It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems because people don’t have built-up immunity against it.”
He also emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated quickly.
WHO noted that school-aged children are the primary drivers of community spread.
It added that adults aged 65 are usually most at risk, constituted the majority of severe cases that require hospitalization.
