Flu and RSV cases rise in Greece, health officials urge vaccination
Cases of influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have risen in recent days in Greece, while Covid-19 activity remains stable, the National Public Health Organization (EODY) said.
Respiratory infections are mainly affecting vulnerable groups and children, who are considered the primary drivers of transmission. Health experts are urging vaccination, along with balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and regular exercise, to help curb the spread.
According to EODY wastewater surveillance data from Dec. 22–28, the viral load of influenza A increased in Thessaloniki, Ioannina, Larissa and Patra. The sharpest rises were recorded in Thessaloniki (124.3%) and Ioannina (115.3%), followed by Larissa (68.9%) and Patra (16.3%). During the same period, 121 hospital admissions linked to Covid-19 were reported.
Panagiotis Papanikolaou, secretary general of the federation of hospital doctors, said the peak of the seasonal wave is expected in late January or early February, noting that infection levels remain lower than at the same time last year.
Children’s hospitals are already seeing increased pressure. At Athens’ Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital, admissions rose by about 15% over the past weekend, with emergency visits reaching 440 on Sunday alone.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as respiratory virus activity intensifies.
