While the peak of the current influenza wave has passed, illness-related absences remain high in Austria, according to data released on . Since the beginning of the year, reported sick leave has been increasing weekly, currently standing at approximately 37,000 reported cases. However, the overall number remains lower than during the same period last year.
In Styria, specifically, the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) recorded 36,900 sick leave notifications last week, with nearly 500 attributed to confirmed influenza. This represents 655 fewer influenza cases compared to the same time last year.
Weather Plays a Significant Role in Infections
Despite the lower numbers compared to previous years, many individuals are experiencing prolonged illness. Alexander Moussa, spokesperson for general practitioners in Styria, explains, “There are, of course, people who are sick. It is somewhat less than in previous years, but the duration of illness is currently quite longer. This suggests that the viruses currently circulating are keeping people home from work for a longer period. We see this daily in our practices – a very large number of infections continue to occur. A factor certainly playing a role here is the weather, which is conducive to the spread of infection.”
Healthcare professionals have also observed more severe cases this year. “We’ve seen this particularly this year. There was a new virus type even before the influenza season began, which led to a significant number of hospitalizations. This has put a considerable strain on hospitals and emergency rooms,” Moussa added.
Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms
Even though the peak of the influenza season around Christmas and the New Year has passed, Moussa still recommends vaccination. “An equally important point is that anyone experiencing infection symptoms should always consult their doctor to get it checked out promptly. There are medications available for influenza that can shorten the intensity and duration of the illness.”
“Vaccinations Recommended”
Alongside influenza, a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) wave is also beginning, with the peak expected in the spring months. “All forms of respiratory infections are currently a concern, and that includes RSV. Based on past experience, this will become a bigger issue in the coming months. We should be prepared.” Vaccinations are strongly recommended for pregnant women and older adults, as well as passive immunization for newborns, according to Moussa.
Data from the Medical University of Vienna’s Center for Virology indicates a continued increase in influenza activity across Austria, mirroring trends observed throughout Europe. Almost all European countries are currently reporting widespread influenza virus activity with a medium to strong upward trend. Influenza A(H3N2) is the predominant strain driving this increase.
Nationwide, hospital admissions due to influenza exceeded the peak of the previous season by approximately 25% in Vienna. By the end of December, 782 people were hospitalized with influenza, with 38 requiring intensive care – 79 and nine more, respectively, than at the peak of last year’s wave. The Vienna Medical Association has warned that the flu wave is pushing the healthcare system to its limits.
According to data released on , by the AGES (Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety), influenza activity remains at a high level, although the positivity rate is declining. RSV detections have been increasing since the end of December. The agency’s wastewater monitoring has also shown an increase in viral concentration since the beginning of the year.
The flu epidemic officially began in Austria around four weeks earlier than in previous seasons, in the first week of December. By the turn of the year, the number of influenza cases detected in the virological sentinel system had risen. While it is possible the peak has already passed, vigilance remains crucial.
The demand for influenza testing by doctors is increasing, but these tests currently require out-of-pocket payment by patients. The use of rapid CRP tests in general practice is also limited by health insurance coverage, a point raised by Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied, Vice President and Chair of the Chamber of Physicians in Vienna.
Globally, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reported on , that simultaneous circulation of influenza and RSV is occurring. While RSV hospitalization rates remain below previous peak levels, the co-circulation of these viruses presents a continued public health challenge.
