Flu season is coming for Europe. How bad could it be this year?

Europe is bracing for a potentially harsh flu season due to low vaccination rates and early signals from countries like Japan and Australia. As of mid-October, flu-like symptoms are increasing across most European countries, with eleven reporting sporadic activity. The flu season typically runs from mid-November through late May but may have shifted post-COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials warn that flu levels are rising in the UK, especially among children. With up to one in five Europeans infected annually and about 27,600 deaths linked to influenza each year across the EU, vaccinations are crucial for protection against severe health issues and hospital pressure. However, most European countries reported vaccination coverage well below the EU's target of 75 percent during the last flu season.

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