Europe's 2025 Respiratory Season Continues Impacting Travelers

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently published recommended actions for response regarding respiratory viruses and preventive vaccines during the 2025 winter season.

On January 24, 2025, the ECDC stated that primary and secondary care consultation rates have increased in several countries recently and that significant respiratory virus activity is occurring in Europe.

Seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) epidemics are ongoing.

All indicators point to widespread high influenza activity in the EU/EEA, albeit some countries are now observing slightly decreasing trends in test positivity following a peak in transmission.

In recent weeks, RSV activity decreased overall at the EU/EEA level, although the country-level picture remains mixed.

The ECDC says 'vaccination is the most effective measure to protect against more severe forms of viral respiratory diseases. Those eligible for vaccination, particularly those at higher risk of severe outcomes, are encouraged to get vaccinated.'

According to Stattista, Europe accounts for over half of international tourist arrivals worldwide, with inbound arrivals exceeding 700 million in 2023.

As of January 26, 2025, the U.S. CDC and the ECDC encourage international travelers to be updated on travel vaccines relevant to their pending trip abroad.