Older residents of European Union member states could face a difficult flu season this winter, which, along with the current coronavirus pandemic, has the potential to burden the Union's healthcare systems. said today the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control.

The European Agency says that in Croatia, for example, Influenza circulation has already exceeded the seasonal threshold, which is "unusually early".

Influenza virus strain that is dominant this season A (H3N2) particularly affects older people and has been linked to reduced effectiveness of the seasonal flu vaccine. "Early detection of the spread of that type is an indication that the upcoming season could be difficult," ECDC flu program chief Passy Pentinen told reporters.

"The dizzying rise in influenza infections during the current Covid-19 pandemic could have serious consequences for the elderly and could further burden health systems that are already under pressure from Covid-19," Pentinen added.

The ECDC notes that coronavirus-related restrictions last season almost completely eliminated the spread of the flu in the EU, suggesting that measures such as protective masks and distancing were effective against the disease.

Pentinen called for vaccination of at-risk groups against both coronavirus and influenza, as an effective safeguard against severe forms of these diseases.