Over 1000 people have died from the flu in Poland this season, with health authorities emphasizing the importance of vaccination and public health measures.
As of February 1, 2026, Poland has reported 1061 fatalities due to influenza since the beginning of the flu season starting September 1, 2025. This figure, while alarming, is notably less than the 1531 deaths recorded during the same period the previous year. Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate attributes the decrease in flu cases to fewer infections compared to the last season, highlighting a significant reduction in reported cases from approximately 693,000 to around 430,000 this year.
The Chief Sanitary Inspector noted that school holidays have played a crucial role in curbing the spread of the virus, particularly in regions where winter breaks occurred in January. The health authorities emphasize that increased vaccination rates have significantly contributed to lowering the flu impact, with 2.2 million Poles vaccinated this season, compared to 1.8 million in the previous season. Vaccination is particularly strong among individuals over the age of 50, a demographic that sees the highest rates of hospitalization and death due to the virus.
Despite the declines, the GIS remains vigilant, urging the public to continue taking precautions against the flu and to consider vaccination if they have not yet received their shots. With the flu season still ongoing, health officials stress that it is not too late to get vaccinated and protect vulnerable populations as well as the overall community's health.
