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Flu cases surge in Hungary: over 250,000 seek medical help in a week as children hit hardest
More than 258,000 people visited a doctor with acute respiratory complaints in the fourth week of the year, while around 60,000 sought medical attention with flu-like symptoms. This marks a 20% increase in general respiratory cases and nearly a one-third rise in flu-like illnesses compared to the previous week.
According to a report by Portfolio, influenza now accounts for 23.4% of all infections, one of the highest proportions recorded in recent years. The number of flu cases per 100,000 inhabitants is the third-worst fourth-week figure since the 2011/12 season.
Children the most affected
Statistics show the outbreak is hitting young people particularly hard. More than half of those seeing a doctor (roughly 132,000 patients) are children under the age of 14.
The same age group also leads in flu-like illnesses: nearly 28,000 of the 60,000 patients are children.
Hospital data paints an even more worrying picture. Almost 29% of patients treated for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) are under two years old, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are occurring almost exclusively within this age group.
Hospital admissions climbing rapidly
During the fourth week alone, 284 people were hospitalised with severe respiratory infections: nearly a 50% jump in just one week and the highest weekly figure so far this season. Of these patients, 23 required intensive care.
Notably, while coronavirus previously dominated among severe cases, influenza has now become the leading cause of hospital treatment. The share of positive flu samples has surged to 41.6%, whereas COVID accounts for just 3.8%.
Although RSV levels remain relatively low for now, experts warn that cases could increase in the coming weeks.
Why is the outbreak worsening as the weather gets milder?
Many people associate influenza with freezing temperatures, but experts say the reality is more complex. According to health portal Egészségkalauz, it is not the cold itself but dry, heated indoor air that favours the spread of viruses.
In dry air, infectious particles remain suspended for longer and spread more easily. At the same time, the air dries out the respiratory tract’s mucous membranes, weakening the body’s natural defences.
Adding to the risk, people tend to spend long periods indoors during winter and early spring (in schools, workplaces and on public transport), creating ideal conditions for viruses to spread quickly.
When should you see a doctor?
Typical flu symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, cough and sore throat. Immediate medical attention is advised if any of the following occur:
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- confusion or dizziness
- symptoms that suddenly worsen after initial improvement
Vaccination and caution remain key
Virologists stress that flu vaccination remains important, particularly for young children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Frequent handwashing, regular ventilation and avoiding crowded indoor spaces can also significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Current data suggests the epidemic has not yet peaked, and high case numbers are expected to continue in the weeks ahead.
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