The National Institute of Public Health confirmed on Friday the first death associated with influenza in the 2026–2027 season. The victim was a man over 65 from Cluj County who had pre-existing medical conditions and had not been vaccinated against influenza. During the same week, more than 82,000 people in Romania were reported to have respiratory infections.

(Staff: Romania / Public Health)

On Friday, 16 October 2026, the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) announced the season’s first death confirmed as influenza-related. The man, from Cluj County, was over 65, had pre-existing medical conditions and was not listed in the National Electronic Vaccination Register (RENV) as having received a flu vaccine.

The man tested positive for influenza A. Health authorities are continuing analyses to determine the subtype. The announcement came as Romania reported 82,363 respiratory infections for the week of 5–11 October, including clinical influenza, acute upper respiratory tract infections and pneumonia.

Weekly figures: a rise that warrants attention

INSP data show a 2.7% increase in respiratory infections compared with the previous week, when 80,193 cases were recorded. However, the total was 2.8% lower than during the same period last season, suggesting a somewhat different pattern for the current flu season.

Nationwide, 201 cases of clinical influenza were reported, down from 210 the previous week and 296 during the corresponding week last season. Meanwhile, severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) rose to 12 cases, five more than the previous week.

Which viruses are circulating?

Laboratories confirmed 12 influenza cases during the week under review: three involving influenza A(H1), three influenza A cases that had not been subtyped, three influenza cases for which the type was not specified, one influenza B case and two A+B coinfections.

This range of findings suggests a complex 2026–2027 flu season, with several strains circulating at the same time. Since the season began, 13 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded: three A(H1), four unsubtyped influenza A, three untyped influenza cases, one influenza B and two A+B coinfections.

Vaccination: recommendations and reality

By 11 October, Romania had recorded 256,556 flu vaccinations, including 252,147 administered to population groups eligible for subsidised vaccination. A further 1,991 vaccinations were carried out in authorised community pharmacies.

INSP specialists say the first death of the season highlights the risks influenza poses to older people and those with chronic conditions. The Ministry of Health recommends vaccination, particularly for vulnerable groups: people over 65, people with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, young children and healthcare workers.

Why this first death matters

In a country where flu-related deaths are reported during every cold season, the first death is more than a statistic: it is a warning sign. It is also a reminder that health authorities need to intensify surveillance and that influenza is not simply “a cold.”

Influenza can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections, worsening of existing chronic conditions and, in severe cases, death. People with cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic conditions are especially vulnerable. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure available.

Conclusion

A man from Cluj has died. He was over 65, had pre-existing medical conditions and had not been vaccinated. These details describe a group at particular risk from a virus that returns each autumn and whose consequences can, to a significant extent, be prevented.

The 2026–2027 flu season has begun with a death. It remains to be seen how many further deaths may occur and whether people in Romania will get vaccinated in time. The figures so far—more than 82,000 respiratory infections in a single week—show that the virus is already circulating.