The Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP/EODY) announced on Thursday, March 12, 2026 that three deaths from respiratory infections were recorded in Greece during the period March 2–8, 2026. Specifically, two people died from influenza and one from COVID-19, while at the same time the positivity of both viruses in the community shows a declining trend.

According to surveillance data, the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases per 1,000 visits has been declining since week 04/2026, with a further decrease in week 10/2026 compared to the previous week. At the same time, severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases have remained at low levels since week 04/2026, showing small fluctuations but an overall decrease in week 10/2026.

Influenza-like illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)
The number of ILI cases per 1,000 visits shows a downward trend since week 04/2026, with a further decrease in week 10/2026 compared to the previous week.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)
The number of SARI cases per 1,000 admissions has remained low since week 04/2026, with minor fluctuations. In week 10/2026, a decrease was observed compared to the previous week.

SARS-CoV-2 virus – COVID-19 infection
The positivity rate from all SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests in the country remains at low levels. In week 10/2026, a slight decrease was observed compared to the previous week.

For the 2025–2026 surveillance period (from week 44/2025), HCDCP established a system for daily active recording of new COVID-19 admissions from a network of 84 hospitals nationwide, aiming to monitor trends over time. In week 10/2026, 85 new COVID-19 admissions were recorded, remaining roughly at the same level as the previous week (N=78).

Since the summer of 2025, sporadic cases of intubations and deaths have been reported. In week 10/2026, two new intubations and one new death were recorded. From week 01/2025 to week 10/2026, the total number of deaths in severe cases (intubated and/or ICU hospitalization) reached 89.

Influenza virus
Positivity for influenza in the community (estimated from the Sentinel primary healthcare network) has been declining since the start of the year. In week 10/2026, a further decrease was observed, with values below the 10% epidemic threshold. In secondary healthcare (as estimated from the SARI surveillance network), a declining trend has been observed since week 05/2026. In week 10/2026, a slight increase was noted compared to the previous week.

For the 2025–2026 surveillance period (from week 44/2025), HCDCP implemented daily active recording of new influenza admissions from 84 hospitals nationwide to monitor trends. New influenza admissions decreased compared to the previous week (112 vs. 140 in week 09/2026).

In week 10/2026, two new severe cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza requiring ICU care and two new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded.

Overall, from week 40/2025 to week 10/2026, 155 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza with ICU admission and 74 deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were reported. From week 01/2025 to week 10/2026, deaths in severe laboratory-confirmed influenza cases reached 158.

Out of 4,143 samples (from Sentinel community, SARI surveillance, and hospitals outside the networks), 711 tested positive for influenza viruses, 710 of type A and 1 of type B.

Of 512 subtyped type A strains, 338 belonged to A(H3) and 174 to A(H1)pdm09. Phylogenetic analysis of 21 A(H3)-positive samples showed that 6 from the start of the season (weeks 42–45/2025) included 3 from genetic group K, and 15 from the rising phase (weeks 50–52/2025) included 14 from group K. The data indicate overall predominance of genetic group K in A(H3) strains, consistent with the global picture. Group K has not been associated with increased risk of severe disease.

Vaccination remains the best preventive measure, especially for high-risk individuals. HCDCP also recommends that high-risk groups seek prompt medical care if symptoms appear for antiviral treatment, and use masks in crowded indoor spaces. The general population is advised to practice protective measures (respiratory hygiene, frequent handwashing, and good ventilation).

In week 10/2026, the weighted viral load of influenza A in urban wastewater remained low, showing a decrease compared to the previous week.

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV
Community positivity (Sentinel primary healthcare network) showed a significant increase compared to the previous week, with a similar increase observed in SARI network hospitals. HCDCP recommends vaccination for individuals over 75 years old and for high-risk groups, in accordance with the National Immunization Program.