The European Commission, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a joint statement on Thursday 1 December warning of an early start to the seasonal influenza epidemic amidst the continuing threat of SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The three institutions point out that influenza A and B viruses are already circulating in Europe among all age groups, particularly among school children. Influenza A can cause severe illness in the elderly and chronically ill.
Many factors, such as the uncertainty about the future development of the Covid-19 pandemic, make predictions about the winter period difficult.
The three institutions reiterate the following recommendations to all citizens: get vaccinated against Covid-19 and seasonal influenza, opt for wearing a suitable mask, especially in populated or poorly ventilated areas, maintain good hand hygiene and isolate yourself when infected.
National authorities are encouraged to monitor the epidemics and report data on these different respiratory diseases and how they affect health systems.
Clinicians are advised to consider various prophylactic measures in people at risk, who may develop severe forms of these diseases.
More information: https://aeur.eu/f/4en (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)