Health officials concerned weather will increase cases of flu

Health authorities in Greece are on standby for a sharp rise in the number of flu cases, believing that the current cold snap following a mild winter has created the ideal conditions for the virus to spread.

Sources told Kathimerini that this weather combination could lead to a similar situation to the 2013-2014 flu season, when 330 people in Greece had to be placed in intensive care, compared to just 110 in the 2012-2013 season.

So far, four people have been admitted to intensive care units in Greece after contracting flu. Two have died. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO) says that an official estimate of the virus’s progression is not possible but it said that it is not too late for members of vulnerable groups to get their flu jabs.

“We believe that the number of severe flu cases, needing treatment in intensive care units, will be around the same level as last year,” said KEELPNO.