Seasonal flu: four people have died in Greece this year

With the onset of winter, the incidence of seasonal influenza increases in our country. One more death was recorded over the past week, bringing the total number of deaths to four.

According to today’s EODY report, over the past seven days, a serious case of laboratory-confirmed influenza A(H3) with an intensive care unit admission was retrospectively reported within the past seven days, with an admission date within the previous week. It was a 59-year-old woman.

In addition, over the past week, a serious case of confirmed influenza type A(H1)pmd09 was recorded with hospitalization in the intensive care unit. We are talking about a 40-year-old woman.

From the start of this year’s surveillance period to today, six people with confirmed influenza have been admitted to intensive care units and four deaths recorded.

Influenza expert centers found 20 samples positive for influenza viruses (both community and hospital samples): 19 were positive for influenza type A and one for influenza type B. Of the 19 subtyped type A strains, four (21%) were of the subtype A(H3) and 15 (79%) – to subtype A(H1).

Flu positivity in the community remains below 10%, according to EODY. However, experts emphasize the importance of flu vaccination for older and vulnerable people.

Please note that the groups recommended to receive the influenza vaccine as a priority are allcitizens aged 60 years and older, as well as children (from 6 months) and adults with chronic diseases or aggravating health factors, regardless of age.

This year, for the first time in our country, a new type of vaccine is being produced, specifically for older people (65 years and older). They are obtained by prescription from a doctor, while regular vaccines are also available, which from November 1 can be purchased without a prescription in pharmacies.

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