Since November 2024, the Silesian state has been facing a sharp increase in flu cases. The provincial Sanitary-Epidemiological Station data show that the number of diseases grew at an alarming rate – from 390 cases in November to over 10,000 in the first half of January 2025. The number of hospitalizations is peculiarly worrying – only in the first 2 weeks of January it amounted to 387 people.
Due to the dynamic epidemiological situation, any facilities have begun to introduce visiting restrictions. Regional Specialist infirmary No. 4 in Bytom stresses that a twelve patients with flu symptoms are reported there all day. According to doctor Marcin Markiel, influenza A and B infections dominate, and any cases require the transfer of patients to Lung Diseases. The infirmary director, Mariusz Kokosz, calls for caution. "The patient has the right to visit and we cannot prohibit them. However, we ask for common sense and concern for relatives who are in the hospital," he stresses.
Similar restrictions were introduced, among others, at the University Clinical Centre in Katowice, where visits were limited to 1 individual for up to 15 minutes. The facility besides recommends avoiding visits by children and people with symptoms of infection. Currently, the number of flu cases exceeds the number of COVID-19 cases over 20 times. In the first half of January, 10,000 flu infections were reported in the Silesian Voivodeship, while the number of coronavirus infections was 484. Of the patients with COVID-19, only 39 people required hospitalization, which shows that this year's infection period is primarily a flu problem.
The advanced Silesian Children's wellness Centre calms down that the current situation is typical of the winter period and does not plan to close branches. However, due to outbreaks of flu-like infections in the Gastroenterology and Neurosurgery Department, restrictions have been introduced – only 1 individual can visit patients. "The situation is dynamic, and if fresh outbreaks of infections occur, further changes in visiting rules are possible," says Joanna Chłądzyńska, spokeswoman of the University Clinical Centre in Katowice.
Hospitals call for basic hygiene rules to reduce the hazard of virus spread. You should:
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water,
* usage disinfectants,
* avoid touching your face,
* Keep a safe distance from sick people,
* especially care for children and older people who are more likely to be ill.
In the Silesian Voivodeship there are respective points in which you can be vaccinated against influenza. It is worth taking this chance to reduce the hazard of infection. In addition, the wellness department calls for regular monitoring of the wellness condition and if you experience symptoms of influenza, contact your doctor immediately.
According to investigation results, the flu is 1 of the most common causes of hospitalization in Poland. In 2022, the flu was the origin of more than 100,000 hospitalizations, of which about 10% of cases required respiration drugs. It is so worth considering vaccination, which is an effective way to prevent influenza.
Read more:
Influenza in the Silesian Voivodeship: a fresh challenge for wellness care
