This year, the first flu season to have collected data across the entire region is putting a strain on the continent’s hospitals and public health authorities. No other flu season across the continent is as severe, with an average of over 1,900 detections per week during the first two weeks of January.
More than 30 European countries reported public health strain
Respiratory viral illnesses have been reported by over 90% of countries. The A(H3N2) virus strain, which has affected the continent over the decades, is causing public health crises with its broad host spectrum of viral transmission for longer periods of time. Thirty European states have reported public health crises. A new immune-evading variant is forcing flu-related illnesses and deaths in countries with over 90% A(H3N2) detections, mainly in Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK.
There is little question regarding the high levels of stress and strain currently being placed on the healthcare system, and the personnel and critical resources within it, due to the arrival of the new seasonal respiratory viruses, influenza, COVID-19, and RSV illness, along with the flu respiratory viral illness pandemic.
Most of the respiratory viruses of the influenza clinical Delta cases are due to the new variant. As winter approaches, a new and dangerous respiratory influenza virus is rapidly spreading and poses a drastic threat to healthcare resources and personnel across Europe, as RSV and flu illness cases are on the rise.
The new variant is responsible for most of the Influenza cases
There are extremely high levels of influenza virus activity across the European region of the World Health Organization. Reports of seasonal influenza virus activity are extremely high in 27 of the 38 countries across the region. Demand on Emergency Departments and hospital inpatient units is at an all-time high, and a substantial number of patients are being admitted. Emergency Departments in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Slovenia, and Serbia are extremely busy and are facing major challenges.
The increasing flu infection rates have significantly impacted productivity and absenteeism among employees, students, and the general public, and this trend is not likely to change anytime soon. Many companies are feeling the effects and are trying to maintain normal operations.
Recent strains have intensified the care backlog and highlighted the need for reforms within the European healthcare system. Educating the public about health, advocating for the protection of health personnel, promoting the rational use of antiviral medication, and increasing the availability of protective health resources are all fundamental.
Public health experts advise to return to pandemic safety precautions
These measures include positive engagement in public activities, the use of masks, and self-imposed isolation, as well as public health measures such as reduced public movement and staying at home. Relief on the public health system is possible through vaccination and adherence to prevention protocols. Immediate action is necessary given the public health crisis characterized by care backlogs.
Facilities, educational institutions, and public services are presently suffering from an unanticipated surge in influenza infections. Estimates from several countries have recorded absenteeism exceeding levels reported just weeks prior. There are interruptions to normal calendar scheduling in educational institutions, and there are complications in various reported fields of employment. Healthcare professionals are considering the impact of the delayed pandemic in several countries, in conjunction with the current pandemic.
Given the recent prevalence in Europe, the newest variety of the influenza virus poses the greatest risk to public health. Europe is entering the influenza season and is likely to encounter its greatest challenge. Millions of people are forecasted to be infected, and hospital services at the already strained facilities are currently stretched. Countries in Europe are entering the winter season with unmitigated exposure to a variety of respiratory diseases and multiple virus infections, leading to a deterioration in the overall public health situation.
