Influenza Spreading Faster in Hungary

Influenza-like illnesses have reached epidemic levels in Hungary, and an outbreak of respiratory giant cell virus (RSV) is also underway, the national public health officer has announced.

Presenting the epidemiological data, Cecília Müller said that in the first week of the year (between January 2 and 8) almost 162,000 people went to the doctor with acute respiratory tract infections, of whom 19,000 were diagnosed with influenza-like illnesses based on clinical symptoms.

The figures show that acute respiratory illnesses rose by 20% and influenza-like illnesses by 50% compared to the last week of the year, which means that the influenza epidemic has started, she said.

Cecília Müller pointed out that the number of cases of RSV had also reached epidemic levels.

She added that there is currently no ban on visitors to hospitals, but that such measures are expected as the number of cases rises.