The preliminary peak of the flu wave has been surpassed. The activity of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 is decreasing, but the number of new infections of Influenza B(Victoria) remains consistently high, informed the Center for Virology at MedUni Vienna on Monday in its weekly report on the flu season. Continued high levels of infection are to be expected. Overall, however, the numbers show a declining trend, it was emphasized.

Slight Decrease in Sick Leaves

"Sick leaves due to flu or flu-like infections are still high in Austria, although slightly declining," reported the health insurance fund ÖGK in a press release. Last week, 8,181 ÖGK-insured individuals and unemployment benefit recipients were reported sick with influenza. There were 742 Covid-related sick leaves counted. The number of incapacities due to flu-like infections fell below 100,000 to 98,121.

"Influenza is highly contagious and is transmitted from person to person," explained ÖGK chief physician Andreas Krauter. "Therefore, wearing a face mask is recommended in places with crowds, or keeping distance is the best protection," he advised the public.

Influenza: A Look Abroad

The MedUni also informed that influenza virus activity remains high in other European countries. In most regions such as France, Italy, and the Benelux countries, the plateau phase can be spoken of, while Germany recently had to record another increase.

(APA/Red)

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