The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Europe is facing a serious flu surge caused by a new virus strain. At least 27 out of 38 countries in the WHO European region are seeing "high or very high influenza activity." Countries like Ireland, Serbia, Slovenia, and the UK have over half their flu-like illness patients testing positive. The flu season arrived about four weeks earlier than usual. The current flu strain is the A(H3N2) sub-clade K, responsible for up to 90% of confirmed cases. WHO says the strain does not seem to cause more severe illness but is spreading fast. Hans Henri Kluge, WHO’s regional director for Europe, said, "Flu comes around every winter, but this year is a little different. It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems." Kluge also warned against misinformation, stating, "It’s vital in the current climate to seek credible information from trusted sources like national health agencies and the WHO. In a challenging flu season, trustworthy, evidence-based information can be lifesaving." WHO data from the UK shows the flu vaccine reduces severe illness from the new A(H3N2) strain, though it might not fully prevent infection. Vaccination remains the key protection, especially for older adults, those with health conditions, pregnant women, children, and health workers. Children in schools are the main spreaders, while adults aged 65 and above make up most severe hospital cases. Kluge expects the flu peak in late December or early January. He reassured, "The current flu season, though serious, does not represent the level of global emergency we faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Our health systems have decades of experience managing influenza, we have safe vaccines that are updated annually, and we have a clear playbook of protective measures that work." In the UK, the NHS prepares for a tough winter with heavy demand on health services. Germany’s Robert Koch Institute says their flu season started two to three weeks early. France reports rising flu activity and rising emergency hospital visits. Spain faces higher infection rates than last year with hospitalisations doubling in a week. Romania and Hungary are also seeing strong case surges. Experts urge everyone to get vaccinated, wear masks if sick, and stay home to ease pressure on healthcare and stop the flu’s spread.