Fewer Sick People Over the Winter Holidays

According to the data possessed by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), the incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARTIs) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) in the country slightly decreased and was 877.4 cases/100 000 population in the last week of 2023 (25-31 December). The week before (18-24 December), the overall incidence of the diseases was 1609.4 cases/100 000 population.

In week 52/2023 (25-31 December), the lowest incidence rate was registered in Alytus County and the highest in Vilnius County. The epidemic level of morbidity was not reached in any Municipality, i.e. the threshold of 1 500 cases per 100 000 inhabitants was not crossed, compared to 19 such Municipalities in week 51. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic.

The number of colds during the school winter holidays decreases every year. This can be attributed to the fact that fewer people with symptoms seek medical help during the festive period.

25-31 December, 40 people were hospitalised due to influenza in the country: 25 children (0-17 years), 2 people aged 18-64 and 13 people aged 65+. Three persons, including 2 children, were treated in intensive care units.

Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties

According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, a total of 141 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARV in weeks 51 and 52 of 2023, of which 35 tested positive for influenza type A virus, 2 tested positive for influenza type B virus (B Victoria) and 10 were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), By the end of week 50 (ending 17 December 2023), rates of respiratory illness (influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI)) in the community continue to increase in most EU/EEA countries. Rates of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases presenting to secondary care were at a level comparable to the same time last year and are now notably increasing in one of the four reporting countries.

COVID-19 is mainly affecting people aged 65 years and older. RSV cases have been increasing from week 41 , with a higher prevalence in children aged 0-4 years. The incidence of influenza started to increase sharply at week 49. Source: https://erviss.org/. 

Multiple vaccinations are available at a single visit

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal infection. People who want to be vaccinated against several different diseases at the same time during a single visit should contact their family doctor.

As of 2 January 2024, 213 406 people have been vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine since September. As of 5 October, 52 015 persons have been vaccinated with the COVID vaccine.

For more information go to: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/skiepu-svieslente

Other simple but effective measures should not be ignored. It is important to practise good cough and sneeze etiquette. When sneezing and coughing, cover your nose and mouth, use disposable tissues, and throw them away immediately after use. It is advisable to wash your hands as often as possible (at least 20-30 seconds), and it is very important not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands after touching surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses. Frequent ventilation and moist cleaning are recommended. If you get ill, contact your family doctor.

Last updated: 04-01-2024

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