Today, the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) today posted an epidemiologic alert about a sharp rise in flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity in most European countries.
The report said the uptake is starting to have an impact on health systems.
"The EU/EEA 10% primary care test positivity threshold signaling the start of the influenza season has been reached, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B viruses co-circulating," the ECDC said, noting that although all three seasonal flu viruses are circulating, it's too early to identify a dominant strain.
In Australia, the flu season was being co-dominated by A(H1N1)pdm09 (47.9%) and A(H3N2) (47.7%) viruses, with very little circulation of B/Victoria-lineage viruses (4.4%).
COVID-19 activity remains relatively stable, the ECDC noted, after increased activity this past summer. The report urged citizens and healthcare workers not yet vaccinated against COVID-19 or seasonal influenza to do so as soon as possible before next week's holidays.
The end-of-year festive season is traditionally associated with activities such as social gatherings, shopping and travelling, which pose additional risks for intensified respiratory virus transmission.
"The end-of-year festive season is traditionally associated with activities such as social gatherings, shopping and travelling, which pose additional risks for intensified respiratory virus transmission," the ECDC said.