Greece reports rise in flu hospitalisations, eight deaths in latest week
According to the National Public Health Organisation (EODY), hospital admissions for flu continued to rise in the week of Jan. 5–11, up from 722 the previous week. Fifteen new cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza required treatment in intensive care units (ICUs).
Since the start of the flu surveillance season, EODY has recorded a total of 45 ICU admissions and 15 deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza.
Flu positivity in the community showed a slight decline but remained at elevated levels, EODY said, while cases recorded in secondary healthcare settings increased compared with the previous week.
Of 2,547 samples tested from community surveillance, hospitals and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) monitoring networks, 407 were positive for influenza viruses. Almost all cases were influenza A, with the A(H3) subtype predominating, followed by A(H1)pdm09.
EODY reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure and urged people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated without delay. The agency also recommended early medical consultation in case of flu-like symptoms, the use of face masks in crowded indoor spaces, and adherence to basic hygiene measures.
Influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 primary care visits declined slightly during the reporting period, while SARI cases per 1,000 hospital admissions also fell.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 test positivity decreased marginally, though 189 new hospital admissions were reported, up from 147 the previous week. One new intubation and six deaths were recorded.
Activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remained low in the community, while hospital surveillance showed a gradual upward trend, still below last season’s peak, EODY said.
