Our country, like many other countries in the northern hemisphere, is now in a period of seasonal flu activity, earlier this year than in the two previous surveillance periods.

The K subtype of the influenza A(H3N2) virus circulates worldwide and has been detected in our country. According to a risk assessment issued by ECDC on 20 November 2025, the risk for the general population in case of prevalence of A(H3) subtype K in this surveillance period is considered moderate, while it is considered high for the population belonging to a high-risk group (people aged 65 years and older, people with underlying diseases and other chronic conditions, pregnant women, immunosuppressed persons, people living in long-term care facilities, etc.).

In light of the above and in view of the festive season, the EODY recommends:

– vaccination against influenza, without delay, especially in high-risk groups. Vaccination remains the best preventive measure, as it provides significant protection against severe influenza illness and death.

– Immediate initiation of antiviral treatment in people at high risk for complications of influenza, upon the onset of compatible symptoms, with or without a positive diagnostic test. In case of clustering cases in closed settings, such as long-term care facilities, prophylactic antiviral treatment should be considered.

– Use of protective measures, including frequent hand washing, avoiding hand contact with nose and mouth, mask use in crowded enclosed spaces for high-risk groups, respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes), good ventilation of rooms, staying indoors, and wearing a mask if symptoms occur.