The flu season starts
Winter is coming, and so is flu. It’s a cliché but like all clichés it is true and should not be overlooked or underestimated. Up to 50 million people a year are estimated to have symptomatic influenza in EU/EEA countries and between 15 000 – 70 000 are estimated to die from influenza associated causes.
ECDC monitors and reports on influenza transmission and virus circulation in Europe on a weekly basis throughout the flu season, in collaboration with WHO Regional Office for Europe.
ECDC also monitors influenza vaccination for specific risk groups and healthcare workers as well as the use of antivirals. Finally, ECDC has produced an infographic to answer the question "Why do I need the flu vaccine every year?” that explains that there are many different influenza viruses and the vaccine is updated in order to keep up with them.
