Flu is on the rise in Western Europe, according to a new EU report which advises people to protect themselves by having the seasonal flu vaccine.
The number of new cases and the number of hospitalisations are on the rise in most Western European countries, with flu activity described as “widespread” in Belgium, Denmark, France, Norway and the UK, particularly since schools have resumed after the winter break.
This continues a pattern which began in early December when a significant rise in infections was recorded. ECDC Director Marc Sprenger has taken to Twitter to highlight the trend.
Seasonal
— Marc Sprenger (@ECDC_MSprenger) January 8, 2013
Dr Sprenger warned that while influenza is a common illness every winter, its capacity for causing serious health problems should not be underestimated. This is illustrated by recent reports of flu-related deaths in Norway and Poland, he added.
By practising better hygiene and staying at home when sick, the spread of flu can be reduced. However, vaccination is the “single most effective” way to protect against the disease.
ECDC closely monitoring
— Marc Sprenger (@ECDC_MSprenger) January 8, 2013