Due to the relaxation of COVID-19 prevention measures, the influenza virus has made a comeback in Europe

The Paper's reporter Nan Boyi

In the winter of 2020-2021, the number of people infected with influenza virus in Europe fell to an all-time low as masks and social distancing became the norm during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the relaxation of epidemic prevention measures in European countries to varying degrees this year, according to a January report by the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), the influenza virus has been sweeping across Europe at a faster than expected rate since mid-December last year.

According to Reuters on January 17, ecDC released a report this month that since mid-December last year, the flu virus has spread faster than expected in Europe. According to data provided by the ECDC and the World Health Organization, the number of influenza cases in intensive care units in Europe gradually increased since December last year, and peaked in the last week of last year – 43 cases. The number is not alarming compared to previous years before the START OF COVID-19 pandemic, but last winter there was only 1 case of influenza virus infection in intensive care units in Europe.

Reuters quoted Pasi Penttinen, a top EXPERT at the ECDC, as saying, "If all vaccination measures are eliminated at this time, the flu virus in Europe may spread longer than in previous years." In its report, the ECDC noted that "the dual pressures of COVID-19 and influenza will have a further impact on Europe's already overwhelmed health system." ”

According to data released last week by the French Ministry of Health, there have been 72 cases of severe influenza in the country this winter, of which 6 have died.

Editor-in-Charge: Su Yangfan Photo Editor: Jiang Lidong

Proofreader: Liu Wei