Poland is currently facing a severe flu outbreak, with over 1,000 confirmed deaths reported from September to February, mostly among individuals over the age of 50. Medical professionals, including Dr. Pawełas Grzesiowskis, have cautioned that this is just the beginning, as a new flu virus variant continues to spread across the country. The public is being urged to get vaccinated, highlighting that it is not too late to protect themselves against this increasing health threat.

According to the Ezdrowie portal, the flu incidence rate from January 26 to February 1 reached 397.2 cases per 100,000 residents, indicating a significant rise in flu cases compared to previous years. For context, during the peak flu season in 2025, the incidence rate was slightly lower at 365.5 cases per 100,000. This uptick signals alarming trends in public health, prompting officials to emphasize preventive measures to curb the ongoing outbreak.

In contrast to the previous flu season, when 1,538 deaths were recorded alongside a significantly higher number of flu cases, the current outbreak has shown fewer overall infections thus far. The head of Poland's public health service pointed out that while the mortality rate seems reduced compared to last year, the current flu season is still categorized as serious, requiring heightened public awareness and response to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of the flu virus.