The flu incidence rate reached nearly 400 cases per 100,000 people between Jan. 26 and Feb. 1, exceeding the highest level recorded during the previous flu season, data from the ezdrowie.gov.pl portal show. Last year’s peak stood at 365.5 cases per 100,000.
Infections have climbed rapidly since early January, when about 70 cases per 100,000 were reported. By the end of the month, that figure had risen to around 270.
Chief Sanitary Inspector Paweł Grzesiowski said most cases are linked to the K subtype of influenza A(H3N2). He noted that vaccines available this season are about 70% effective against the variant, reducing both infection risk and the likelihood of severe illness.
“Heavy freezes do not kill viruses. That’s a myth,” Grzesiowski told Polish Press Agency (PAP) last week. “Viruses are very resistant to low temperatures.”
Vaccination uptake has increased compared with last season. About 2.2 million people were vaccinated against flu during the 2025–2026 season, up from 1.8 million a year earlier, according to ezdrowie.gov.pl.
The surge in flu and other infections has prompted some hospitals to introduce temporary limits on admissions.
The State Sanitary Inspectorate urged vaccinations, particularly for high-risk groups including children under 14, adults over 50, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, health care and education workers, and long-term care facilities.
Health officials also recommend frequent handwashing, covering coughs, keeping social distance, wearing masks in crowded places, expanding remote work where possible, and home isolation for sick individuals for five to seven days.
(jh)
Source: PAP
Click on the audio player above for a report by Marcin Matuszewski.