Flu wave could start up to six weeks early

The flu wave in Austria could begin four to six weeks earlier than usual, ORF reported, as influenza cases rise and deliveries of one vaccine are delayed.

In Lower Austria, 45,634 people were reported sick last week, as of October 15. That was about 12 percent fewer than in the same period last year. But influenza cases recorded by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund rose to 119, from 96 a year earlier. Weekly cases climbed from about 30 to 40 in early September to more than 100 in early October. Across Austria, influenza-related sick leave reached 806 cases, compared with 579 last year.

Maria Paulke-Korinek, head of the Health Ministry’s immunisation department, said observations so far point to a start four to six weeks earlier than usual. The wave could begin in mid-to-late November, rather than around Christmas or the start of the new year. Virologist Monika Redlberger-Fritz of the Medical University of Vienna also noted unusually early influenza activity, but said cases remain isolated and do not yet amount to a widespread wave.

The possible early start coincides with delays to deliveries of Influvac Tri, a flu vaccine made by Viatris. The Health Ministry said delivery dates have been postponed several times across Europe, with further shipments expected in November. It expects other vaccines to be sufficient for groups at higher risk.

Austria has also ordered 100,000 additional doses of Flucelvax, intended in part for children from six months old, pregnant women and people in close contact with newborns. The ministry recommends that children, older people and those with certain pre-existing conditions get vaccinated as soon as possible. Protection takes about 10 to 14 days to develop after vaccination.

A nasal spray vaccine is available for children and young people from their second birthday until they turn 18, and the ministry says supplies are currently unrestricted. Flu vaccination is free under Austria’s public vaccination programme, although availability may vary between vaccination centres because of delivery delays.

Ordinary respiratory infections and Covid-related sick leave are both lower in Lower Austria than in the same period last year. The health insurance fund recorded 10,183 cases of ordinary respiratory infections last week, compared with 13,646 a year earlier. Covid-related sick leave stood at 60 cases, down from 679. However, Covid testing has fallen considerably since the reporting requirement ended in July 2023, so sick-leave figures do not fully reflect infection levels.

Andreas Krauter, chief physician at the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, advised people to take extra precautions during the autumn and winter, including washing hands regularly, airing indoor spaces and wearing a mask when many people are gathered in close quarters.