In Croatia, 122 cases of influenza, mostly among preschoolers

The Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) has recorded 122 cases of influenza this season, with 68 of these reported in the previous week. These cases have been documented in seven counties, according to the HZJZ. The highest rate of reported flu cases per capita was observed in the Split-Dalmatia county, while the highest incidence among age groups was noted among preschool children. According to data from the National Reference Centre for Influenza at the HZJZ, sporadic confirmation of the A(H1) type influenza virus has been found in laboratory samples so far. In Europe, influenza activity remains low. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report for early October, influenza virus activity in countries within the European Union and the European Economic Area is still at initial levels, with only a few countries reporting confirmed cases. The influenza virus has most frequently been confirmed in individuals over the age of 65, and among identified viruses, type A predominates. Meanwhile, the number of patients seeking medical attention due to respiratory symptoms is increasing in most European countries, although overall prevalence of such diseases remains relatively low. The proportion of positive coronavirus tests in primary healthcare remains stable, while there has been an increase in hospital settings. Among patients with confirmed coronavirus infection in hospital care, individuals over the age of 65 are predominant. Activity related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also low and aligns with typical levels during the period between seasonal outbreaks. This year, influenza appeared earlier than usual in Croatia, already in late August. Among the first affected were high school students returning from graduation trips, particularly from Spain. During September, reports came from several counties, especially Zagreb and Split-Dalmatia, with a large share of young people aged 15 to 19 initially affected. The HZJZ warned that the early appearance of cases does not necessarily indicate the start of the seasonal influenza epidemic. The new season of epidemiological monitoring of influenza began towards the end of September, with more intense spread of the disease in Croatia expected during the winter months, typically from December to March. Influenza vaccination in Croatia is expected to begin at the start of November, a few days after the delivery of vaccines, according to previous announcements by the HZJZ. For this season, procurement of a trivalent inactivated vaccine has been announced, and free vaccination is planned for individuals over the age of 65, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, healthcare workers, and other groups at increased risk of complications from influenza. Vaccination is the most effective measure of protection against influenza and its complications, with protection developing approximately two weeks after vaccination.