11 seniors have died from flu: Bucharest and three counties declared infection hotspots

The flu epidemic continues to take a heavy toll on Romania's elderly population, with eight new deaths confirmed in the past week, bringing the total to 11 fatalities. Data released by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) paint a troubling picture: nine of the 11 deaths occurred in people aged over 65, confirming the particular vulnerability of older adults to this respiratory infection.

The epidemiological situation across the country remains tense, with 61,016 respiratory infection cases reported in the first week of January. Although the figure is 13% lower than the previous week — likely due to under-reporting over the holiday period — the incidence rate remains nearly 37% higher than the same point in last season, signalling an intensification of viral circulation.

Bucharest and the counties of Cluj, Constanța and Prahova have emerged as the main hotspots, accounting for the highest number of clinical flu cases. The capital leads with 1,283 reported cases, followed by Cluj and Constanța with 688 cases each, and Prahova with 550 confirmed cases.

Laboratory analysis of collected samples has identified the AH3 viral strain as the predominant type, detected in the majority of confirmed cases. Of the 572 confirmed flu cases recorded since the start of the season, 221 were caused by the AH3 influenza virus, 316 by unsubtyped influenza A, and 30 by the AH1 virus. Genetic sequencing carried out by the Cantacuzino Institute revealed the presence of subclade K in all AH3 influenza virus samples analysed.

For families with elderly members, these figures underline the critical importance of preventive measures and close monitoring of health. Older adults — particularly those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or respiratory problems — face a significantly greater risk of developing serious flu complications, including pneumonia or acute respiratory failure.

This season's flu vaccination campaign has so far reached 1,273,616 people, the vast majority of whom — 1,247,864 — received free vaccination through the national reimbursement programme. Nevertheless, vaccination coverage among the elderly population remains below the optimal level recommended by public health experts to ensure effective community protection.

Medical specialists are urging older adults and their families to exercise heightened vigilance during this period. Symptoms such as high fever, persistent cough, breathing difficulties or severe general weakness require urgent medical assessment. Keeping symptomatic individuals at home and observing respiratory hygiene measures can help limit the spread of infection in high-risk communities, including care homes and elderly care centres.

The current epidemiological context highlights the need for an integrated approach to protecting vulnerable populations. Alongside preventive vaccination, the implementation of strict surveillance and isolation protocols in elderly care facilities is becoming essential to prevent nosocomial outbreaks that could have devastating consequences for older residents with multiple comorbidities.