Flu transmission accelerates in Greece as vaccination rates remain low
Data from the National Public Health Organization (EODY) show that eight people died from flu-related complications in the past week alone. Hospital admissions have exceeded 870, while 15 patients have been transferred to intensive care units (ICUs).
Delayed Vaccination Hampers Prevention Efforts
Flu vaccination uptake this season has been slower than usual, contributing to the increased spread of the virus. Apostolos Valtas, President of the Panhellenic Pharmaceutical Association, stated that overall vaccination numbers do not differ significantly from previous years, but the timing has been problematic.
According to official figures, approximately 2 million flu vaccinations have been administered without a doctor’s prescription via pharmacies using social security identification, while an additional 550,000 vaccinations were carried out with a medical prescription.
“What changed this year is that vaccinations started much later,” Valtas explained. “The prolonged warm weather until December made people complacent, delaying vaccination beyond the recommended window, which ideally ends by late November.”
As a result, many vaccinations were administered after flu cases had already begun to rise. Valtas added that fewer than 10,000 additional vaccinations are expected to be carried out, while nearly 500,000 trivalent flu vaccines remain unused in pharmacies.
Earlier Onset and More Severe Symptoms
Dr. Sofia Pouriki, pulmonologist, intensivist, and head of one of the ICUs at Sotiria Hospital, Greece’s main respiratory disease reference center, reported a sharp increase in emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and ICU admissions in recent days.
In her ICU, three of the twelve intubated patients are currently suffering from influenza—all of them unvaccinated.
“More than one in three emergency visits right now are due to flu,” Pouriki said. “This year, the virus appeared earlier than expected. We anticipated cases after the holidays, but transmission had already begun in early December.”
She also noted increased contagiousness linked to the circulating strain, along with more severe symptoms, including persistent high fevers of 39–40°C and intense coughing. Vaccinated individuals, she emphasized, tend to experience milder illness.
Increased Pressure on Health Services
Mata Tsikrika, President of the Hellenic Thoracic Society and pulmonologist at Sotiria Hospital, confirmed that respiratory infections have surged following the holiday period and the arrival of colder temperatures, with influenza currently being the dominant pathogen.
“While the exact rate of community spread is difficult to calculate, the increased activity of the virus is clearly reflected in the pressure on both public and private healthcare services,” Tsikrika said.
She also warned that many patients seek medical care too late—often after three or four consecutive days of high fever. “Some people consult AI platforms instead of their doctors, and that creates additional risks,” she noted.
Experts stress that individuals experiencing high fever, breathing difficulties, extreme fatigue, and general malaise should seek immediate medical attention. Early administration of antiviral treatment such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) within 48 hours of symptom onset is crucial for faster recovery and preventing complications.
“Antibiotics have no role in treating influenza and should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor,” Tsikrika emphasized.
Vulnerable Population at Greater Risk
Health professionals highlight that the delayed vaccination campaign and Greece’s aging population are key factors behind the virus’s heightened impact this year. Maintaining good hydration, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and avoiding smoking are also essential in protecting respiratory health.
As flu cases continue to rise, experts urge the public to remain vigilant and seek timely medical care to reduce severe outcomes.
