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. 2014 Sep;142(9):1809-12.
doi: 10.1017/S0950268814001228. Epub 2014 May 9.

Influenza season 2012-2013 in Europe: moderate intensity, mixed (sub)types

R Snacken  1 , E Broberg  1 , J Beauté  1 , J E Lozano  2 , P Zucs  1 , A J Amato-Gauci  1
Affiliations

Influenza season 2012-2013 in Europe: moderate intensity, mixed (sub)types

R Snacken et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2014 Sep.

Abstract

This paper summarizes influenza activity in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) in 2012-2013. The influenza season 2012-2013 in Europe lasted from early December to late April. Overall the severity of the season could be described as moderate, based on the ILI/ARI consultation rates and the percentage of sentinel specimens positive for influenza compared to previous seasons. Both influenza A and B viruses circulating accounted for 47% and 53% of positive sentinel specimens, respectively, with both A(H1) and A(H3) varying for dominance. Compared to outpatients, the proportion of laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalized cases infected by A(H1N1)pdm09 was significantly higher in middle-aged patients (33% vs. 17%, χ 2 = 66·6, P < 0·01). Despite a relatively good match between vaccine and circulating strains, vaccine effectiveness was estimated to be moderate.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Dominance and co-dominance of A and B viruses from sentinel specimens, EU/EEA, 2012–2013.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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