‘Get vaccinated’ / Warning: A new type of flu is spreading ‘exceptionally early’ in Europe

Health officials are preparing for a severe flu season in Europe, as a new viral strain is spreading “exceptionally early” across the bloc.

Authorities are detecting flu cases three to four weeks earlier than in the past two years, according to a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which covers the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

A new type of flu A, known as the H3N2 K subvariant, is driving the spread of the virus, the agency said.

This is the same variant appearing in countries like the United Kingdom, where there have also been signs of an earlier and more severe flu season.

Although it is still unclear how severe the upcoming flu season will be in continental Europe, the ECDC warned that it could be worse than in previous years if infections exceed normal levels and vaccination rates remain low.

“We are seeing flu detections rising much earlier than usual this year, which means timing is critical,” said Edoardo Colzani, a respiratory virus expert at ECDC, in a statement.

“Vaccination now is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness this winter,” he added.

The ECDC recommended “immediate” vaccination for the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, healthcare workers, and those living in long-term care or other group settings.

Flu vaccines are updated each year to keep up with the virus, which is constantly evolving. An H3N2 strain was included in this year’s vaccine because it was one of the main viruses circulating in the Northern Hemisphere last season.

However, the K subvariant is quite different from that strain, so it is still unclear how well the vaccine will work against it.

Health officials stressed that vaccination is an important way to minimize illness, protect vulnerable groups, and reduce the burden on hospitals during the winter.

“If you are eligible for vaccination, please do not wait,” Colzani said.

The ECDC also said that medical clinics and long-term care facilities should take additional steps to prevent and control infections, such as requiring staff and visitors to wear face masks when virus levels are high.

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