However, compared to 2020, it is an increase. The return of the flu virus could mark the start of an unusually long flu season that could stretch well into the summer, said Pasi Penttinen, ECDC influenza expert.
“If we start lifting all measures, there is a great concern that we may move away from normal seasonal patterns because we have had almost no circulation in the European population for so long,” he said.
The flu season usually ends in May. The dismantling of the stricter measures could lead to the flu circulating beyond that. The simultaneous occurrence of Covid-19 and flu could put pressure on the already strained health systems.
epidemic in France
There are first signs of this in France, where three regions, including those around Paris, are already facing a flu epidemic. So far this season, France has recorded 72 cases of severe flu, with six deaths.
To make matters worse, this year’s dominant strain of influenza is causing severe cases in the elderly. It is still too early to definitively assess how well the flu vaccines used protect. However, laboratory tests would show that this year’s vaccines were not optimal. Due to the very low flu circulation last year, there is not enough data to assess the effectiveness of vaccinations this season.
There is currently no really measurable virus activity in Austria. According to the Center for Virology at MedUni Vienna, there is currently only sporadic evidence of the virus in this country. The first case of a dual infection of influenza and Covid-19 was recently reported.