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Why are so many Hungarians still getting sick? New health report explains
More than 66,000 people visited a doctor with flu-like symptoms last week in Hungary, according to the latest surveillance data published by the Nemzeti Népegészségügyi és Gyógyszerészeti Központ (National Public Health and Pharmacy Centre).
Based on reports from participating GPs, 66,800 patients sought medical care with influenza-like complaints. Although this marks a decline compared to the previous week’s figure of 76,800, the numbers remain significant.
Hundreds of thousands affected by respiratory illnesses
The wider picture shows an even greater burden on the healthcare system. Between 9 and 15 February, as many as 262,300 people consulted their doctor with symptoms of acute respiratory infections, not limited to flu.
This suggests that while classic flu cases may be falling, seasonal respiratory diseases are still spreading widely across the country.
Children most affected
Children accounted for the largest share of patients with flu-like symptoms during the seventh week of the year:
- 41.9% were children
- 29.4% were aged 15–34
- 21.4% were aged 35–59
- Only 7.3% were over 60
The figures show that younger age groups continue to be the most vulnerable to infection, particularly in community settings such as schools and nurseries.
Regional trends show improvement in most areas
Encouragingly, the number of patients decreased in 18 administrative areas compared to the previous week, while two regions recorded no change.
The highest number of cases was reported in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg, Fejér, and Komárom-Esztergom counties, while the lowest figures came from Zala, Bács-Kiskun, and Csongrád-Csanád.
Clusters reported in schools and care homes
Authorities also received 14 reports of infection clusters during the week. These outbreaks affected:
- one nursery
- seven kindergartens
- three primary schools
- three residential care homes
Such environments are particularly prone to rapid transmission due to close contact among children, students, and vulnerable residents.
Hospitalisations still a concern
Severe cases remain a worry. Last week, 201 people were hospitalised with serious acute respiratory infections. Of these, 31 required intensive or sub-intensive care.
While the overall number of flu-like cases appears to be declining, health officials warn that respiratory illnesses continue to place considerable strain on both primary care and hospitals across Hungary.
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