Flu outbreak in Poland leads to high infections and deaths

Poland is experiencing a severe flu season, with over 2 million cases and 1,000 deaths reported so far.

Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski, Chief Sanitary Inspector, speaks at a press briefing at the headquarters of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS). The conference focuses on the current epidemiological situation, including flu and other seasonal infections. February 18, 2025.

Photo: PAP/Piotr Nowak

Experts warn that the real number of infections could be twice as high, as only officially registered cases are counted.

Hospitalizations have reached 25,000, and over 14 million outpatient visits have been recorded due to respiratory infections.

Despite the outbreak, only about 5% of Poles have received a flu vaccine, with experts citing systemic barriers to access.

Health officials are calling for simplified vaccination procedures to increase immunization rates, particularly among seniors, who remain the most vulnerable group.

? Liczba zachorowań na grypę w tym sezonie jest znacznie większa niż przed rokiem - zauważył @grzesiowski_GIS podczas konferencji @grypa_opzg "Grypa w natarciu". - Zachorowało ok. 2 mln osób, ok. 25 tys trafiło do szpitala, a ok. 1 tys osób zmarło. pic.twitter.com/kwlzLjIogw

— Główny Inspektorat Sanitarny (@GIS_gov) February 27, 2025

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Source: IAR/PAP/GIS