Flu update: major flu wave is still to come

Thursday 29 October 2026

Flu season is upon us. While the spread remains limited, the number of laboratory-confirmed flu cases has almost doubled week on week. 

Extrapolated across the entire Swiss population, last week there were 72 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza. This represents a sharp increase in the number of confirmed cases, up from just 44 last week. 

People over the age of 65 are still the most affected, but the largest increase – from 19 to 31 – was seen in the 30 to 64 age group. The number of confirmed cases also rose among children aged 5–14, while prevalence is currently lowest among 15 to 29-year-olds. 

Looking at the map of Switzerland, we see that Basel and Schaffhausen remain the hardest hit. Valais and Uri are now amongst the regions with a higher number of confirmed influenza cases. Numbers remain low in Eastern Switzerland, apart from in Graubünden which saw a sharp rise, having not had a single confirmed case until now. Only a handful of cases have been recorded in French-speaking Switzerland, Central Switzerland and Zurich. 

Thursday 22 October 2026

The flu season is here but is not making too much of a mark. The start of October marked the advent of flu season, which runs from the 40th calendar week of one year to the 20th calendar week of the year after. 

Extrapolated across the entire Swiss population, last week there were 44 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza, which means that the number of confirmed flu cases was lower than in the previous week.

People over the age of 65 are still the most affected. At the other end of the scale, there was only one case in the 5 to 14 age range. A look at the map of Switzerland shows that Basel remains the hardest hit. Thurgau and Schaffhausen are now amongst the regions with a higher number of confirmed influenza cases. In Western Switzerland, the number of cases is low in all cantons except Neuchâtel. Central Switzerland, Ticino and Graubünden also have very few or no cases of influenza. 

Thursday 15 October 2026

Flu season is upon us. The beginning of October marks the start of tflu season, which runs from calendar week 40 of one year to calendar week 20 of the next. 

Across the entire Swiss population, there were 64 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza last week, meaning that the number of confirmed cases was unchanged week on week. 

The highest rates were recorded among children aged 0–4 and the over 65s, with prevalence being lowest among 15 to 29-year-olds. Looking at the map of Switzerland, we see that Northwestern Switzerland, particularly Basel, has been hit hardest by the flu virus so far. Eastern Switzerland, Ticino and Central Switzerland have largely been spared.

Friday, 6. March, 2026

Extrapolated to the entire Swiss population, last week there were 52 visits to doctors with suspected influenza per 100.000 inhabitants. This represents a slight decrease in the number of visits to doctors due to flu-like symptoms compared to the previous week.

In particular, children aged 0 to 4 years were examined for influenza. The lowest rate of visits was among children aged 5-14 years. A glance at the map of Switzerland shows that influenza is widespread in northwestern Switzerland. Influenza occurs only sporadically in central Switzerland.

The flu will come back – our offers

Vaccination advice santé24

With the flu vaccination, you are not only protecting yourself, but also other and particularly vulnerable people. Anyone who has hesitated this season should think early on about preparing for the next flu year. In case of uncertainty, the vaccination advice of santé24 is at your disposal.

Occupational influenza vaccination

Sick leave costs time and reduces productivity. A company flu vaccination is a simple and effective measure to keep employees healthy and the company performing.

Prepare now and be prepared for the next flu season: here you can sign up for the list of interested parties for autumn/winter 2026 without obligation.

Friday, 27. February 2026

Extrapolated to the entire Swiss population, last week there were 66 visits to doctors with suspected influenza per 100.000 inhabitants. This represents a slight decrease in the number of visits to doctors due to flu-like symptoms compared to the previous week.

In particular, the 0 to 4 year olds were taken for medical examination because of influenza infection. The lowest attendance rate was amongst those over 65 years of age. A look at the map of Switzerland shows that influenza is widespread in eastern Switzerland and in the cantons of Zurich and Schaffhausen. Influenza occurs only sporadically in central Switzerland.

Occupational influenza vaccination: offer from SWICA prevention management

The next flu season is bound to come, which is why prevention should be addressed early – including as a company. Sick leave costs time and reduces productivity. A company flu vaccination is a simple and effective measure to keep employees healthy and the company performing.

Prepare now and be prepared for the next flu season: here you can sign up for the list of interested parties for autumn/winter 2026 without obligation.

Friday, 20. February 2026

Extracted to the entire Swiss population, last week there were 91 visits to doctors with suspected influenza per 100.000 inhabitants. This represents a slight decrease in the number of visits to doctors due to flu-like symptoms compared to the previous week.

In particular, the 0-4 age group was taken for medical examination because of influenza infection. The lowest attendance rate was amongst those over 65 years of age. A look at the map of Switzerland shows that influenza is widespread in northwestern Switzerland and in the cantons of Graubünden and Ticino. Influenza occurs only sporadically in central Switzerland.

Does the flu vaccine also protect against colds?

A common myth about the flu is that a flu shot also protects against a cold. But that is not true. Both diseases are caused by viruses, but they are not the same pathogens.

Still, the flu shot makes more than sense: You protect yourself and, above all, vulnerable people from a severe illness. And severe illnesses are much more common with the flu than with the cold. For more common cold myths, see our blog.

Friday, 13. February 2026

Extrapolated to the entire Swiss population, last week there were 133 visits to doctors with suspected influenza per 100.000 inhabitants. This represents a slight decrease in the number of visits to doctors due to flu-like symptoms compared to the previous week.

In particular, the 0 to 4 year olds were taken for medical examination because of influenza infection. The lowest attendance rate was amongst those over 65 years of age. A glance at the map of Switzerland shows that influenza is widespread in northwestern Switzerland. Influenza occurs only sporadically in central Switzerland.

How the flu differs from a cold

The flu differs from a cold by the sudden rapid onset of fever and more severe symptoms. In addition, infection with influenza viruses can lead to other complications, such as inflammation of the heart muscle, lungs, or middle ear. These are caused either by the viruses themselves or by a secondary bacterial infection. Here are the typical flu symptoms:

• Sudden severe fever (over 38 degrees)
• Chills
• Strong feeling of illness
• Cough
• Sore throat and swallowing
• Headache
• Pain in extremity
• Rhinitis
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite

Friday, 6.February 2026

Extrapolated to the entire Swiss population, last week there were 161 visits to doctors with suspected influenza per 100.000 inhabitants. This represents a slight decrease in the number of visits to doctors due to flu-like symptoms compared to the previous week.

In particular, the 0 to 4 year olds were taken for medical examination because of influenza infection. The lowest attendance rate was amongst those over 65 years of age. A glance at the map of Switzerland shows that influenza is widespread in northwestern Switzerland. Influenza occurs only sporadically in central Switzerland.

Prevention protects the immune system

Even if people go to the doctor less often because of flu-like symptoms, our defences have a lot to do during the winter months. In order to survive the winter months, it is important to strengthen the immune system. The following measures will help:

• Exercise, ideally in the fresh air
• Balanced nutrition to replenish nutrient stores
• Get enough sleep and maintain a balanced work-life balance
• Visit to the sauna to train the circulation

This not only helps the immune system, but is good for our body in general.

The Flu tracker uses the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) as its information base and source.