Flu Outbreak: New Variant Spreads Across Europe, 27 Countries Affected

The seasonal influenza has arrived earlier than expected in Europe, and it’s spreading rapidly across the continent. At least 27 European countries are reporting “high or very high” flu activity, with six countries – Ireland, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK – seeing more than half of patients with influenza-like symptoms testing positive for the virus.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that a new influenza variant, A (H3N2), is dominating the outbreak, accounting for up to 90% of all confirmed cases in the European region. This variant, also known as J.2.4.1 or subclade K, was first detected in August in Australia and New Zealand and has since spread to over 30 countries.

According to Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, the rapid spread of this new variant is putting enormous pressure on health systems, as people don’t have built-up immunity against it. “It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems,” he said, emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated quickly.

The WHO has warned that adults aged 65 and above are most at risk, constituting the majority of severe cases that require hospitalization. School-aged children, on the other hand, are driving the community spread of the virus.

Dr Wenqing Zhang, Unit Head for Global Respiratory Threats at the WHO, said that 2025 has seen the emergence and rapid expansion of this new AH3N2 virus subclade. “The new variant was first noted in August in Australia and New Zealand and has since been detected in more than 30 countries,” she said.

The WHO is urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as vaccination remains the most effective defense against the flu. With the new variant spreading rapidly, health authorities are warning people to take precautions to avoid getting infected.