The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) reports a worrying increase in cases of flu and respiratory infections in Romania, only in the first days of 2026. Specialists warn that the real number of cases could be higher, given that underreporting is possible due to the winter holidays.
According to published data for the period 29 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, 10,570 cases of clinical influenza were reported, more than twice as many as in the same period last season and almost four times the average of the last five years. In total, in the same week, 61,016 cases of respiratory infections (influenza, acute upper respiratory infections and pneumonia) were registered, 36.9% more than in the same period of the previous season.
The most cases of clinical flu were reported in Bucharest – 1,283, Cluj – 688, Constanța – 688 and Prahova – 550. At the same time, 44 cases of severe acute respiratory infections (SARS) were reported, 21 more than in the same week last season.
Since the beginning of the flu season, there have been 572 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, mostly with influenza A virus: 221 with subtype A(H3), 30 with A(H1), 316 non-subtyped A, 4 B, and one A+B co-infection. In all A(H3) cases sequenced at the Cantacuzino Institute, subclade K was identified.
In the past week, 8 new deaths were reported, bringing the total number of confirmed flu-related deaths to 11. Most victims were over 65, and two deaths were recorded in people aged 15 to 64.
By January 4, 2026, more than 1.27 million people had been vaccinated against influenza, most of them in at-risk groups for compensation.
The INSP recommends vaccination of eligible persons without delay, early antiviral treatment, the use of masks in hospitals and care centers during periods of intense virus circulation, compliance with hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Epidemiological surveillance continues to be reported on a weekly basis to enable rapid response in the event of a worsening situation.
