Three people already lost their lives due to a mutated flu virus strain (H3N2), while another 31 are currently being hospitalized in Intensive Care Units across Greece, stated the Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (KEELPNO). The Center’s scientists appear concerned, especially after it was reported that this year the virus seems to be affecting younger people.
According to data released by KEELPNO, three people died because of the flu, on December 27, January 9 and January 11. The victims were a 35-year-old woman and two other patients older than 70.
Associate professor of medicine and infectious diseases Sotiris Tsiodras is mostly concerned because of the patients’ young age, since most of them are under 60. This means that the virus strain has become more aggressive.
“People who suffer from serious health problems or severe flu should contact their doctor immediately and get antiviral drugs. Those who show milder flu symptoms are advised to remain home and not come in contact with many people,” said Tsiodras.
Most of the cases this year concerned people who had not been vaccinated, he added.
More than 80 people died of implications from virus strains in 2015 and more than 100 in 2014 in Greece. KEELPNO scientists remain alert, observing the seasonal flu phenomenon that seems to have intensified in the first 10 days of January.
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