Seasonal influenza - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2021−2022
Surveillance report
The 2021−2022 influenza season in the EU/EEA marked the return of influenza virus activity after a low-level circulation following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite increased influenza activity in 2021−2022 compared to the 2020−2021 season, the circulation and timing were not comparable with any annual influenza epidemic activity observed before the COVID-19 pandemic or after the 2009 influenza pandemic.
The seasonal pattern showed an unprecedented late onset, crossing the epidemic threshold in week 08/2022, with an overall shorter duration compared to all seasons since 2009. The overall low and late onset of influenza virus circulation during the 2021−2022 season might have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented in the countries during the winter period, leading to late activity when measures were lifted.
As Member States move towards integrating surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, influenza and other relevant respiratory viruses, underlying systems may change and in the future reported data may not be comparable with historical data.
The seasonal pattern showed an unprecedented late onset, crossing the epidemic threshold in week 08/2022, with an overall shorter duration compared to all seasons since 2009. The overall low and late onset of influenza virus circulation during the 2021−2022 season might have been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented in the countries during the winter period, leading to late activity when measures were lifted.
As Member States move towards integrating surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, influenza and other relevant respiratory viruses, underlying systems may change and in the future reported data may not be comparable with historical data.
Publication file
Seasonal influenza - Annual Epidemiological Report for 2021−2022
English (518.96 KB - PDF)
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