The Greek Ministry of Education, Religion and Sports has issued new guidelines regarding student absences due to seasonal flu. The circular, announced by Minister Sofia Zacharaki, allows students to miss up to five school days due to respiratory viral infections without these absences counting against their overall attendance, provided they present a medical certificate.
Certificates can come from public or private hospitals or from a private physician and must specify the type and duration of the illness. These absences are additional to the regular absence limits set by school regulations.
The guidance is based on recommendations from the Greek National Public Health Organization (EODY) and historical epidemiological data showing that respiratory infections typically peak from December to the end of April. For the current 2025-2026 season, flu activity reportedly began in late November and is expected to continue through April.
The Ministry emphasizes that all members of the school community should maintain hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing and staying home when sick, while following EODY’s recommendations to reduce the spread of infections.
