Seasonal Flu Surge Grips Greece
Seasonal influenza has escalated across Greece, reflected in a sharp rise in hospital admissions, persistent vaccination activity, strong antiviral demand, and increased use of diagnostic tests. Experts anticipate that flu activity will peak toward the end of January as transmission continues to accelerate. Influenza Type A H3N2, known for its high transmissibility, currently dominates nationwide trends.
Hospitalizations have climbed steeply in both pediatric and general facilities, according to updated data from the National Public Health Organization EODY. EODY President Christos Hadjichristodoulou explains that the flu wave appears earlier this year partly because the organization now evaluates comprehensive hospitalization data rather than focusing solely on ICU admissions. He stresses that the peak has not yet been reached and is expected in late January.
Citizens are encouraged to get vaccinated even now despite the fact that immunity requires roughly 2 weeks to develop. Vaccination remains especially critical for people with chronic health issues, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults, as further viral circulation is anticipated during February and March, including the emergence of influenza Type B.
Two flu related deaths recorded in the first week of 2026 involved unvaccinated individuals, one aged 53 with comorbidities and another aged 79. These fatalities highlight the ongoing risks associated with severe seasonal influenza.
Hospital Admissions Climb Rapidly
Weekly surveillance data show significant pressure on the healthcare system. During the first week of 2026, hospitals registered 722 new flu related admissions compared with 497 in the final week of 2025. A total of 13 severe laboratory confirmed cases required ICU treatment, while an additional ICU case from week 52 of 2025 was reported retroactively.
Two new laboratory confirmed flu deaths occurred in week 1 of 2026, contributing to a broader 2 year total of 153 deaths from severe influenza cases recorded between week 1 of 2024 and week 1 of 2026.
Type A Flu Dominates Nationwide
Influenza A viral load in wastewater remains high during the first week of 2026, maintaining the same elevated levels seen at the end of 2025. Data from community Sentinel sources, SARI surveillance, and hospitals outside monitoring networks confirm the dominance of Type A strains. From late September 2025 through early 2026, among 2,278 laboratory samples, 308 tested positive for influenza, with 307 identified as Type A and 1 as Type B.
Subtype analysis of 198 Type A samples found 142 belonging to A H3 and 56 to A H1 pdm09, reinforcing the strong circulation of H3N2 across the population.
Vaccination And Precautions Remain Essential
Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, according to EODY, which strongly urges high risk groups to get immunized without delay. Early medical evaluation, timely antiviral treatment when indicated, mask use in crowded indoor settings, and adherence to hygiene practices such as handwashing and proper ventilation are all strongly recommended.
Pharmacy association president Apostolos Valtas emphasizes the continuing importance of vaccination, noting that more than 2.6 million flu vaccines have been distributed. Pharmacies administered 2 million doses without prescription, while 400,000 immune boosting vaccines were given with a doctor's prescription. Remaining supplies include trivalent vaccines.
Pharmacies also hold approximately 1 million unfilled prescriptions for additional flu vaccines. Demand for antivirals and flu tests has surged nationwide, surpassing last year's levels and placing added pressure on pharmacy services.
