Seasonal flu has reached epidemic levels in all regions of Slovakia, and the number of people with influenza is set to go even higher. This was reported by the Pravda daily on Monday. This year, flu outbreaks occurred a month earlier than normal, and a previously rare 'A/Hong Kong H3N2 strain' is to blame. It is more virulent and results in more hospitalisations. In the Czech Republic, for example, it has so far been the cause of 48 deaths. Both the cold snap and smog have contributed to the outbreak, which has resulted in the temporary closure of some 400 pre-schools and schools.
Gavin Shoebridge, Photo: TASR
