Public health specialists recommend that people at high risk of the disease get vaccinated against influenza without delay, in the context of the intensification of the circulation of a strain of the influenza virus A(H3N2) and the beginning of the flu season in Romania.
“The epidemiological analysis carried out by the CNSCBT for the 49th week of 2025 (01-07/12/2025) revealed that the beginning of the influenza season was registered. 3,018 cases of clinical influenza were reported nationally, double the number recorded in the previous week (1,504). The same K subclade of the influenza A(H3N2) virus circulating internationally was also detected in Romania, the first sequencing results being communicated by INCDMM Cantacuzino to INSP-CNSCBT on 11/12/2025”states INSP.
The same source mentions that the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) assesses the risk for the general population of the EU/EEA as moderate, writes News.
“The risk of developing severe disease is high for people over the age of 65, people with pre-existing metabolic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and other chronic diseases, pregnant women, immunocompromised people and those living in long-term care facilities. The vaccine is expected to continue to provide protection against severe disease, so it remains a vital public health tool.” specify the cited source.
In the mentioned epidemiological context, the INSP recommends that people eligible for vaccination, especially those at high risk of severe disease, get vaccinated “without delay”.
“Respecting hand hygiene is particularly important, considering the fact that the flu virus can also be transmitted through contact with objects contaminated with viral particles. Respecting respiratory etiquette refers to the use of the handkerchief of single use when coughing or sneezing, followed by applying an antiseptic to the hands or washing them with soap and water. If these are not accessible at the moment, we should cough/sneeze into the angle that the arm forms with the forearm”experts recommend.
INSP also recommends avoiding crowding as much as possible, and if this cannot be done, wearing a mask in closed spaces, such as public transport, properly ventilating the rooms, a balanced diet that includes proteins (if certain medical conditions do not contraindicate them), considering the fact that the antibodies with which we defend ourselves against the flu are formed from proteins.
Also, proper hydration (2 liters of water/day) contributes to maintaining the good functionality of the respiratory mucosa, INSP specialists also recommend.
