Seasonal flu is currently on the rise in Greece, with the epidemiological picture showing notable severity and data from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) recording an upward trend in hospitalizations.

Experts are sounding the alarm, focusing on low vaccination rates, while warning that this wave of the epidemic is expected to last.

The two causes: “International severity” and low vaccination coverage

Eleni Kakalou, internist–infectious disease specialist at the 3rd University Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens at “Sotiria” Hospital, explains the reasons behind this year’s intense flu season.

“First of all, we would like to send a message about the flu. As with every season, there are worse and better years. This year, internationally, there is a relative severity in the flu epidemic,” she notes.

Ms. Kakalou highlights reduced vaccination coverage as a key problem:
“In our country, one of the main issues is that this year the number of people who have been vaccinated is clearly lower.

We would therefore like to remind everyone that vaccines are available at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription for those who need them. For people over 65 or with serious health conditions, there is also an enhanced vaccine with better effectiveness, which does require a doctor’s prescription.”

What to watch out for: Symptoms and the “first 24 hours” rule

Particular emphasis is placed on early diagnosis and treatment. The experienced physician from “Sotiria” advises citizens not to ignore symptoms:

“If someone develops flu symptoms—fever, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, and possibly breathing difficulty along with cough—they should contact their doctor, ideally within the first 24 hours. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a rapid test and then prompt antiviral treatment can be started, reducing the risk of complications.”

The course of the epidemic: Increased hospitalizations and deaths

According to Ms. Kakalou, Greece is currently in the peak period, but flu activity is expected to continue into spring.

“We are in the second week of January. This week we have seen an increase in severe cases, ICU admissions, and we have recorded eight deaths. Nevertheless, this is the classic period when the flu epidemic peaks or approaches its peak. It will likely last until late March or early April.”

She concludes with a clear message of protection:
“For everyone who has not yet been vaccinated, the message is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. And if they fall ill and have vulnerable people in their family, they should speak with their doctor about the possibility of early antiviral treatment.”

What EODY data show

The physician’s statements are fully confirmed by the latest epidemiological report from EODY (January 5–11), which shows that flu positivity in the community remains at high levels.

In detail:

• Increase in admissions: 871 new hospital admissions due to flu were recorded, compared to 722 the previous week.
• Severe cases and deaths: Within one week, 15 new severe cases requiring ICU admission and 8 new deaths from laboratory-confirmed flu were reported. Since the start of the season, there have been 45 ICU admissions and 15 deaths.
• Dominant strains: The vast majority of tested samples concerned influenza type A, with subtype A(H3) being dominant.

Finally, regarding coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), a slight increase in hospital admissions was recorded (189 new cases), along with one new intubation and six deaths.