Poland reports rising influenza cases with variant K causing severe symptoms as health officials warn of approaching peak.
Rising Flu Cases
According to government data, between January 19 and 25, nearly 270 cases of flu per 100,000 residents were recorded, compared to 70 cases at the beginning of the month. The Chief Sanitary Inspectorate reports that most cases are caused by the A(H3N2) subtype K variant.
Chief Sanitary Inspector Paweł Grzesiowski told the Polish Press Agency that this season’s vaccines have about 70 percent effectiveness against variant K. “They reduce the risk of illness and severe course of the disease,” he said. Grzesiowski noted that we are approaching the peak of cases, which will occur in the next two weeks.
Variant K Symptoms
WP abcZdrowie, citing the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, reports that this season’s flu has resulted in approximately 550 deaths and over 13,000 hospitalizations. The portal interviewed physician Bożena Janicka about how variant K manifests.
“Patients look like they’re in a fog. Grayish-red, tired, aching, with temperatures even up to 40 degrees. Many say that absolutely everything hurts them, including their hair,” said Janicka, president of the Health Protection Workers’ Agreement. “I do a swab for the sake of principle, but often even at the office door I see that the patient comes with the flu. Exhausted, looking like a shadow of a person.”
Treatment Effectiveness
Interest in oseltamivir-based antiviral drugs is also increasing. These drugs work best when administered within the first 48 hours of illness.
“The symptoms are so severe that many patients report early, giving the medication the best chance to work. We haven’t noticed any problems with the availability of these drugs so far. It’s very good that we have them because they are effective,” physician Bożena Janicka told WP abcZdrowie. “On the other hand, I strongly encourage the introduction of preventive treatment in the immediate environment of the sick person, such as household members. This works because these people actually get sick much less later.”
