Poland is experiencing a rapidly intensifying flu wave with over 1,000 deaths and a significant increase in medical leave certificates as of early 2026.
Rapid Flu Increase in Poland
Just a few weeks ago, the flu season appeared typical. However, doctors now describe the dynamics as decidedly intense, with the rate of infections resembling the most difficult moments of recent years. The number of flu cases in Poland is growing sharply, with data from early 2026 showing a continuous, intense increase in the number of flu cases per 100,000 residents. This is an important indicator as it allows comparison of the situation regardless of region size or number of tests.
In the first weeks of the year, values rose almost exponentially. First, they exceeded levels recorded at the turn of the year, then quickly surpassed the average of previous seasons. For epidemiologists, this is a warning signal—not so much because of one week, but the continuity of the trend.
Doctors’ Alarms: Hospitalizations and Complications
The increase in flu cases doesn’t always indicate a crisis. Three elements are key: hospitalizations, complications, and severe flu progression. In this season, all these indicators started rising in parallel. Doctors emphasize that flu is not a stronger cold but a viral disease that can attack the heart, lungs, and nervous system. The most commonly observed complications are pneumonia, but myocarditis and exacerbations of chronic diseases are also increasingly diagnosed.
Flu Deaths in Poland: Official Data
According to data from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, over 1,000 people have died from flu since the beginning of the autumn-winter season until February. This number surprises many because flu rarely penetrates public consciousness as a deadly disease. Most deaths concern people over 50 and patients with comorbidities. However, doctors point out that severe cases also occur in previously healthy individuals.
Is Poland in a Flu Epidemic?
Formally, an epidemic is declared by administrative decision and depends on many indicators, not just the number of cases. In practice, however, doctors increasingly use the phrase “epidemic scale of diseases.” The key question is not “if” but how long the peak will last and whether the healthcare system can withstand the accumulation of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections. No epidemic state has been declared yet, but sanitary services are monitoring the situation week by week.
Mask Recommendations Amid Flu Season
This is one of the most frequently asked questions today. The answer is not black and white. The Sanitary Inspectorate currently recommends: wearing masks in healthcare facilities, staying home when experiencing symptoms, and practicing good hand hygiene. There is no talk of a universal mask mandate yet, but doctors admit that if hospitalizations continue to rise, local recommendations may become stricter, especially in healthcare facilities.
Medical Leaves for Flu on the Rise
The avalanche increase in flu cases is visible not only in sanitary statistics but also in medical leave certificates. Although ZUS has not yet published official data on L4 for January and early February 2026, doctors report a clear jump in absences. This is another signal that the current flu season is exceptionally severe. Absences due to flu, colds, and other illnesses are also visible in schools and kindergartens.
Distinguishing Flu from Common Cold Symptoms
This is another reason why flu dominates search engines. Symptoms can be confusing, especially at the beginning. Typical flu symptoms include sudden high fever, severe muscle and body pain, dry cough, headache, fatigue, and weakness. A cold usually develops more slowly and rarely causes high fever or severe body aches. Doctors emphasize that in the first 48 hours from symptom onset, diagnosis is crucial—rapid tests are now available to differentiate flu, COVID-19, and RSV.
Why Children and Seniors Suffer Most
Statistics clearly show two risk groups: the youngest children and older adults. In children, the immune system is still developing, while in seniors, it is often weakened by chronic diseases. It is precisely in these groups that hospitalizations and complications most often occur. Therefore, experts consistently remind about vaccinations, which do not eliminate the risk completely but significantly reduce the severe course of the disease.
Flu Vaccinations in the 2025/2026 Season
In this season, more people have been vaccinated than in the previous year, especially in the 50+ age group. This is one of the reasons why the number of deaths—despite the high wave—is not record-breaking. The current vaccines protect against several virus variants and are free for selected groups. Doctors emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated, even during the season.