Flu, COVID and RSV season tracker
When the flu, COVID and RSV season arrives across Europe, how to tell it has started where you are, and what actually reduces your chances of catching it.
General public-health information, not a diagnosis or a live medical alert. For current activity where you live and for vaccination advice, check your national health authority.
How the respiratory-virus season works
Every autumn and winter, three families of virus circulate together: influenza (the flu), SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus, which is hardest on babies and older adults). In the Northern hemisphere the flu season typically runs from around October to April and peaks between December and February; RSV often starts a little earlier, and COVID circulates all year with winter surges. The precise start and severity vary from year to year and from country to country.
You cannot reliably tell them apart by symptoms alone — they overlap — so testing is what confirms which one you have. That matters most when you are around people at higher risk.
Live weekly activity is being wired up from public surveillance feeds. Until then, each country page explains its typical season and points you to the official tracker.
Countries
Estonia
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Finland
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Latvia
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Lithuania
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Sweden
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Norway
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Denmark
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Germany
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
the United Kingdom
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Poland
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Ireland
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
the Netherlands
Typical flu, COVID and RSV season, and where to find current activity.
Source: European and national public-health surveillance (ECDC Europe-wide, plus national agencies such as THL, Terviseamet, RKI and UKHSA). Figures are qualitative here; see the official trackers for numbers. · checked 2026-09-04
Frequently asked questions
When is flu season?
In the Northern hemisphere the flu season usually runs from about October to April, with most activity between December and February. RSV tends to arrive a little earlier in late autumn, and COVID circulates year-round with winter surges. Exact timing shifts each year.
How do I know the season has started near me?
National public-health agencies publish weekly surveillance — the share of doctor visits for flu-like illness, lab-confirmed cases and, increasingly, wastewater signals. When those climb week on week, the season has arrived. This site points you to the agency for each country.
What actually lowers my risk?
Vaccination (especially if you are older, pregnant or have a health condition), washing or sanitising hands, ventilating indoor spaces, staying home when ill, and covering coughs. None is perfect, but together they meaningfully cut spread.
Is a cold, the flu or COVID — how do I tell?
You often cannot tell from symptoms alone; they overlap. A cold builds slowly and stays mild; flu tends to hit fast with fever and aches; COVID varies widely. A test is the only way to be sure, which matters most if you are high-risk or around someone who is.
Support your immune system this season
TempoLife helps you keep nutrition, sleep and activity steady when the bugs are circulating.