Latest news and stories about flu season in Portugal for expats and residents.
Runny nose, fever, muscle aches. Every year, thousands of Portuguese are laid low by a new season of the virus. Who is this invisible entity that knocks us down without mercy, and why can't we get rid of it for good?
Portugal has recorded 47 consecutive days of excess deaths, primarily affecting people aged 85 and over. It is the only European country experiencing a moderate excess in mortality.
Since the start of the flu season, laboratories have reported 73,292 cases of respiratory infection and 14,243 flu cases have been identified.
Epidemic flu activity is easing in Portugal, with fewer flu cases, severe respiratory infections and intensive care admissions, while excess mortality remains, according to the National Institute of Health Dr Ricardo Jorge (INSA).
Portugal registered 1,265 influenza cases during the week of Christmas and observed excess mortality among older people.
The flu season is arriving earlier and more intensely, forcing hospitals to adopt measures to free up human and material resources — including postponing non-urgent surgeries.
