Capitals: Agencies
Europe is experiencing a severe wave of the flu epidemic, with a sharp rise in cases after the holiday season, putting healthcare systems under great pressure. The epidemic is particularly affecting children under 15 and the elderly over 60, with many hospitals recording increasing numbers of influenza B. According to what was published by the Euronews website in Brussels
Increasing pressure on hospitals in France and Spain
In France, hospitals have set up temporary units to relieve pressure on emergency departments, where the elderly suffer more severe respiratory complications than others. "I haven't seen an epidemic of this magnitude in years," says Dr. Jean-Luc Lemarie, a French general practitioner.
Dr. Olivier Lucidarm explained that most severe cases involve unvaccinated people, stressing the importance of vaccinations in preventing influenza.
In Spain, regions such as Catalonia and Valencia are facing increasing pressure as hospitals prepare for an expected peak next week. Although conditions are not as crowded as in previous years, health workers are urging people to be on the alert, with the influenza B strain dominating the cases.
Tighter measures in Hungary
Hungary is also seeing a rise in cases, prompting authorities to impose strict health measures. In Budapest, masks have become mandatory in some clinics and a ban on visitors has been imposed to limit the spread of the virus.
Hospitals in Győr, Vác and Debrecen have taken a similar approach to controlling the outbreak.
Deaths soar in Romania
In Romania, cases have doubled in the past week, with more than 4,100 cases and four deaths linked to flu complications. Bucharest and cities such as Cluj and Brasov have reported the highest infection rates. As schools reopen, health officials warn of a new surge in cases, stressing the importance of vaccination as one of the best prevention methods.