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Flu season is coming: WHO Europe urges people at higher risk to get vaccinated and shares simple habits
In brief
The World Health Organization's European office said on October 23, 2026, that people should get ready now for this winter's influenza season. Around the world, flu causes 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and between 290,000 and 650,000 deaths every year. WHO/Europe says vaccination is the best protection for people at higher risk, and it is asking everyone to build a few simple habits into daily life to slow the spread of flu and other respiratory viruses such as RSV.
Who should get vaccinated
WHO/Europe lists the groups at highest risk of severe flu: older people, pregnant women, children under 5, people with a body mass index of 40 or higher, people with chronic health conditions and anyone with a weakened immune system. Health workers are also advised to get a yearly shot, to protect themselves and their patients. Because the flu virus keeps changing, the vaccine is updated every year to match the strains in circulation, and protection from last year's vaccine fades over time, which is why a fresh dose each season matters.
Five everyday habits
As part of its "No one knows your risk like you do" campaign, WHO/Europe recommends: stay home if you feel unwell; wear a mask if you have flu-like symptoms; cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; clean your hands regularly; and open windows and doors often to let fresh air in. The exact timing and strength of a flu season cannot be predicted, but in the region it usually starts between mid-November and mid-December and peaks in January or February.
VSH take: None of these tips are new, and that is the point: small habits done by lots of people really do add up. If someone in your family is in a higher-risk group, now is a good time to ask a doctor or pharmacist about the flu shot, before the season gets busy. Keep track of routines with our habit tracker, check sleep with the sleep calculator and stay hydrated with the water intake calculator. Travelling this winter? Our flights hub and travel hub can help, and students can find study tools and exam guides here.
ViralScopeHub is an independent news summary site and is not affiliated with the World Health Organization. This is general news, not medical advice; talk to a doctor or pharmacist about vaccination. The photo is a stock image, not from WHO.
Why it matters
Flu season usually starts in late autumn, and getting vaccinated early plus a few easy habits can protect older people, young children and others at higher risk.
People also ask
When does flu season start in Europe?
WHO/Europe says it usually begins between mid-November and mid-December and peaks in January or February, though timing varies each year.
Who should get a flu vaccine?
WHO/Europe highlights older people, pregnant women, children under 5, people with a BMI of 40 or more, people with chronic conditions or weak immune systems, and health workers.
Why do I need a flu shot every year?
The flu virus changes over time, so the vaccine is updated each year, and protection from last year's shot fades.
Related free tools: Habit Tracker, Sleep Cycle Calculator
Sources
Every ViralScopeHub news item is an original summary written in our own words. We link to the original reporting so you can read the full story from the publisher.
