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"The flu epidemic is starting" in Switzerland and it could hit hard
The flu is arriving in Switzerland several weeks early. Here's what you need to know about this year's illness and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
02.12.2025, 14:5
While Covid activity has decreased in Switzerland after a peak in infections in October , the flu is now making its appearance:
"The epidemic is definitely starting."
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas, microbiologist cited by Le Temps
While this illness tends to be downplayed with phrases like "oh, it's just a little flu," this year it could hit hard. This is especially true because it's arriving early. The latest report from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) indicates an increase in viral load in wastewater, as well as a growing number of confirmed cases, particularly among young children.
“We are indeed starting to detect more influenza viruses […] the number of cases is increasing rapidly and steadily.”
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas, deputy head of the NCRI
And the early onset of the epidemic is raising questions among virologists:
“Some countries, such as Great Britain and Japan, are facing a flu epidemic this year that started very early – three or four weeks ahead of schedule – and very intensely. The start of the epidemic does not seem to be as pronounced in Switzerland, but it is still too early to make predictions about what will happen next.”
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas, deputy head of the NCRI, quoted by Le Temps .
Although the H1N1 strain dominated at the beginning of the season, virological analyses now show more cases of H3N2, even though this subtype is still a minority in Switzerland.
But another element is of greater concern to epidemiologists: the emergence of "subclade K," a new variant of H3N2 identified this summer, which largely contributed to the severe epidemic observed in Australia and is now dominant in the United Kingdom. "Where it appears, it takes hold," warns Canadian epidemiologist Danuta Skowronski, quoted by Statnews. In Switzerland, sequencing is underway, but "it is likely that subclade K is present here as well," believes Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas.
Is the flu vaccine effective this year?
Since subclade K emerged after the development of the 2025-2026 vaccine , its efficacy is receiving particular attention. A preliminary analysis by the British health agency, published on November 11, provides "reassuring results," writes Le Temps . It appears to offer 70% protection against severe forms of the disease in children and 30-40% in adults . This allows the microbiologist at the CNRI to be optimistic.
"It is possible that the vaccine does not offer optimal protection against certain H3N2 viruses, but it certainly protects against severe forms of the disease and therefore remains particularly suitable for people at risk."
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas
Because complications from the disease cause several thousand hospitalizations and frequently several hundred deaths in Switzerland each year, recalls the FOPH.
The FOPH writes:
"Vaccination is recommended for people at risk: those over 65, pregnant women, premature infants up to 2 years old, and people with chronic illnesses.
To better protect these individuals, it is important not only to vaccinate them, but also all those who are regularly in contact with them, including family members, caregivers of infants, and healthcare workers."
Flu vaccination "can take place at the same time as, before, or after a COVID-19 vaccination."
"The flu epidemic is starting" in Switzerland and it could hit hard
The flu is arriving in Switzerland several weeks early. Here's what you need to know about this year's illness and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
02.12.2025, 14:5
While Covid activity has decreased in Switzerland after a peak in infections in October , the flu is now making its appearance:
"The epidemic is definitely starting."
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas, microbiologist cited by Le Temps
While this illness tends to be downplayed with phrases like "oh, it's just a little flu," this year it could hit hard. This is especially true because it's arriving early. The latest report from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) indicates an increase in viral load in wastewater, as well as a growing number of confirmed cases, particularly among young children.
“We are indeed starting to detect more influenza viruses […] the number of cases is increasing rapidly and steadily.”
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas, deputy head of the NCRI
And the early onset of the epidemic is raising questions among virologists:
“Some countries, such as Great Britain and Japan, are facing a flu epidemic this year that started very early – three or four weeks ahead of schedule – and very intensely. The start of the epidemic does not seem to be as pronounced in Switzerland, but it is still too early to make predictions about what will happen next.”
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas, deputy head of the NCRI, quoted by Le Temps .
Although the H1N1 strain dominated at the beginning of the season, virological analyses now show more cases of H3N2, even though this subtype is still a minority in Switzerland.
But another element is of greater concern to epidemiologists: the emergence of "subclade K," a new variant of H3N2 identified this summer, which largely contributed to the severe epidemic observed in Australia and is now dominant in the United Kingdom. "Where it appears, it takes hold," warns Canadian epidemiologist Danuta Skowronski, quoted by Statnews. In Switzerland, sequencing is underway, but "it is likely that subclade K is present here as well," believes Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas.
Is the flu vaccine effective this year?
Since subclade K emerged after the development of the 2025-2026 vaccine , its efficacy is receiving particular attention. A preliminary analysis by the British health agency, published on November 11, provides "reassuring results," writes Le Temps . It appears to offer 70% protection against severe forms of the disease in children and 30-40% in adults . This allows the microbiologist at the CNRI to be optimistic.
"It is possible that the vaccine does not offer optimal protection against certain H3N2 viruses, but it certainly protects against severe forms of the disease and therefore remains particularly suitable for people at risk."
Ana Rita Gonçalves Cabecinhas
Because complications from the disease cause several thousand hospitalizations and frequently several hundred deaths in Switzerland each year, recalls the FOPH.
The FOPH writes:
"Vaccination is recommended for people at risk: those over 65, pregnant women, premature infants up to 2 years old, and people with chronic illnesses.
To better protect these individuals, it is important not only to vaccinate them, but also all those who are regularly in contact with them, including family members, caregivers of infants, and healthcare workers."
Flu vaccination "can take place at the same time as, before, or after a COVID-19 vaccination."
