Europe's Respiratory Season Reaches 10% Threshold

As the end-of-year festive season is traditionally associated with social gatherings and traveling, the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) says these endeavors pose additional risks for intensified respiratory virus transmission.

On December 18, 2024, almost all countries reporting data to ECDC (week 49, 2024) observed sharp increases in indicators of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity.

The EU/EEA 10% primary care test positivity threshold signaling the start of the influenza season has been reached.

Furthermore, the impact of influenza may be worse if an A(H3N2) subclade that is less well matched with the northern hemisphere vaccine(s) dominates.

Co-circulation of influenza viruses and RSV could substantially impact healthcare services. Hospital admissions could occur in all age groups, with very young children (due to RSV) and older adults particularly affected.

The ECDC joins the U.S. CDC in encouraging all eligible people to protect themselves with approved vaccines for the 2024-2025 respiratory season.