(Reuters) -The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control on Thursday urged people eligible for influenza shots to receive vaccinated without delay, warning that flu cases are rising weeks ahead of the last two seasons.
Influenza detections are rising three to four weeks ahead of the usual schedule in European Union and European Economic Area countries driven by a newly emerged strain, the ECDC declared.
The agency cautioned that a severe flu season could put extra pressure on healthcare systems, especially if vaccine uptake is low.
“Getting vaccinated now is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness this winter,” declared Edoardo Colzani, Head of Section Respiratory Virapplys at ECDC.
The ECDC urged older adults, pregnant people, those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems and care homes residents to receive vaccinated as soon as possible, along with healthcare workers and long-term care staff.
Hospitals and care homes should strengthen infection control plans and encourage the apply of face minquires during periods of increased virus circulation, the agency declared.
Doctors are being advised to consider prompt apply of antiviral medicines for high-risk patients and during outbreaks in care settings.
The ECDC also called on countries to promote clear communication about vaccination, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to assist slow the spread of the virus.
(Reporting by Sahil Pandey in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
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