Spread of Influenza Viruses in Poland and Neighboring Countries in Seasonal Terms

• Main Authors: Karol Szymański, Ewelina Hallmann, Katarzyna Łuniewska, Katarzyna Kondratiuk, Anna Poznańska, Lidia B. Brydak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-03-01
• Series: Pathogens
• Subjects: influenza; borders; spread; epidemic; pandemic
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/10/3/316

In Poland, flu supervision is coordinated by the National Influenza Center at the National Institute of Public Health—National Institute of Hygiene. In this publication, we want to determine geographical trends in influenza virus circulation in the region. A detailed analysis of virological and epidemiological data showed the course of the epidemic season in Poland, as well as in neighboring countries. The spatial differentiation of the incidence of infection between voivodships was examined, as well as compared to countries that border a given voivodship. The results show a significant variation in the incidence of infection in terms of time and space. This points to the need to increase the number of tests and to raise awareness among health care professionals and the public about the probability of an influenza pandemic, as undetected viruses can spread further into the European Union.