Austria is experiencing an exceptionally severe flu wave this year, potentially due to virus mutations.
Surge in Influenza Cases Across Austria and Germany
While common colds are often mistaken for the flu, true influenza is a serious illness that can be life-threatening. Flu cases tend to rise during colder months, and Germany has already reached its peak, with the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reporting approximately eight million infections. Austria is also heavily affected, with hundreds of thousands currently ill.
Influenza Activity Remains High in Austria
“The flu wave has a firm grip on Austria,” stated Andreas Krauter, chief physician of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund, in an interview with heute.at. While influenza cases continue to rise, Covid-19 infections are slightly decreasing. The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES) has been tracking a surge in flu cases since late December, prompting a red alert in January.
Virologist Judith Aberle from the Medical University of Vienna commented on the situation via Bluesky, confirming that influenza activity remains high, with some severe cases reported. She also noted a shift in virus patterns, with a marked increase in influenza B and A(H3N2) cases in recent weeks.
Two Virus Strains Driving the High Infection Rates
According to the RKI, influenza A viruses, particularly the A(H3N2) subtype, are responsible for most seasonal flu outbreaks, with varying severity. Influenza B, which often circulates alongside influenza A, can further drive up infection numbers, though its symptoms tend to be milder to moderate.
