Poland is currently facing a severe flu epidemic, with the latest data indicating approximately 430,000 infections and an incidence rate of 403.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants as of early February. The situation has reached a breaking point, particularly in the Łódź Voivodeship, where the infection rate soared to 614.3 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the first week of February. Health authorities expect conditions to worsen towards the end of the month, as flu activity remains high and expected to peak soon.

The impact of the flu has been devastating, with 1,061 reported deaths and over 21,600 hospitalizations due to complications this season. The majority of fatalities are among individuals over the age of 50, highlighting the vulnerability of older populations to this virus. Experts suggest that the death toll could have been significantly lower had more people opted for vaccination. To date, only over 2.2 million Poles have been vaccinated, with stark disparities evident in various regions; for instance, Świętokrzyskie recorded merely 53,100 vaccinations.

Epidemiological expert Dr. Andrzej Jarynowski pointed out a correlation between flu cases and seasonal holidays or breaks, noting that contacts tend to decrease during these periods, potentially leading to a decline in transmission. However, the current rise in cases reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the healthcare system. Moving forward, public health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination campaigns to mitigate the ongoing epidemic and prevent further loss of life.