Croatia Reports 428 Flu Cases, Vaccine Due This Week

Flu season is picking up in Croatia, with 428 reported cases since monitoring began at the end of September, according to the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ). Of those, 130 were recorded in the last week alone, up from 97 the week before and 79 the week before that.

The virus has been reported in most Croatian counties. Last week, Dubrovnik-Neretva County had the highest rate of reported cases per 100,000 residents. As in previous seasons, preschool and school-age children are being hit hardest, while the lowest rates are among people over 65.

Laboratory testing has so far confirmed only one positive sample last week – an influenza type A virus. Across the European Union, sporadic flu cases are also being recorded, with type A dominating among confirmed samples, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Flu season in Croatia typically intensifies from December to March, so health authorities are urging people to get vaccinated before the peak. The HZJZ has ordered 420,000 doses of this year's flu vaccine, and Health Minister Irena Hrstić said on Tuesday that the shipment is expected to arrive this week.

"We are already seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses and the appearance of flu. The vaccine is currently on its way to Croatia, and I am confident that there will be a timely opportunity for vaccination, before the flu reaches any kind of peak, because the goal is to get the vaccine before the peak of cases," Hrstić said.

Once the vaccine arrives, it will be distributed to GP surgeries and public health offices across the country. Check with your doctor or local pharmacy for availability in the coming days.