New Flu Mutation Sparks Concern in Greece

A newly observed mutation of the influenza virus is prompting concern among health experts, with early data from the United Kingdom indicating that the K sublineage of the A(H3N2) subtype is gaining dominance — a trend that could signal increased transmissibility.

In response, Greece’s National Public Health Organisation (EODY) has heightened its surveillance efforts and renewed its strong recommendation for seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccination, alongside strict adherence to preventive measures.

According to EODY’s weekly epidemiological report covering 3–9 November, Greece recorded six new Covid-19 deaths and one flu-related fatality. Despite these figures, the overall positivity rates for both viruses in the community remain low.

Influenza-like illness (ILI): Cases per 1,000 visits remain low and have decreased compared with the previous week.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI): Numbers also remain low and are down week-on-week.

Positivity rates from diagnostic testing have fallen, with only one new intubation and six deaths reported last week. Since early summer, severe cases and fatalities have appeared only sporadically. Nationwide, the viral load in urban wastewater remains moderate and stable, consistent with historical patterns.

Influenza

Community flu positivity is low and continues to decline, according to the Sentinel primary care network. Results from hospitals in the SARI network also show very low and sporadic positivity. No new ICU admissions due to severe flu were reported last week, though one flu-related death occurred. An additional severe case from the previous week was reported retrospectively.

Over the past five weeks, 19 out of 778 samples tested positive for influenza type A:

• 12 were A(H1)pdm09

• 5 were A(H3)

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

No RSV cases were detected in the community, and hospital positivity remains low with isolated incidents.

EODY emphasises that both influenza and Covid-19 can lead to serious complications and fatalities, with Covid-19 showing higher mortality rates. The agency strongly advises vaccination for all eligible individuals, especially older adults and people with underlying conditions, for both diseases.