23-12-2024

Flu Cases Double in the Week Leading Up to the Holidays

The incidence of flu, acute upper respiratory infections (AURI), and COVID-19 continues to rise in Lithuania. We recommend maintaining hand hygiene, practicing proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and avoiding gatherings or visiting others if you experience symptoms. Let us not just wish each other health during the holidays but also protect it by preventing the spread of viruses.

According to the data possessed by National Public Health Centre, during week 51 of this year (December 16–22, 2024), the combined incidence of flu, AURI, and COVID-19 increased slightly, reaching 1,532.2 cases per 100,000 population (up from 1,403.7 cases per 100,000 the previous week). The lowest incidence was in Utena County, while Vilnius had the highest rates. Epidemic levels (above 1,500 cases per 100,000 population) were recorded in 15 Municipalities.

Comparing the morbidity data from week 51 to the previous week, it is evident that the number of flu, COVID-19, and AURI (acute upper respiratory infection) cases has increased. However, flu cases saw a more than twofold rise, from 1,478 to 3,653. For context, during the same period last year, the incidence was higher at 1,609.9 cases per 100,000.

97 people were hospitalized with flu last week, while 49 were hospitalized for COVID-19. 11 individuals required intensive care due to flu or COVID-19. There were two additional flu-related deaths, bringing the total this season to five. Both individuals were aged 80–89, unvaccinated, and had chronic conditions. There were 4 COVID-19-related deaths reported during the same period.

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

dministracinės teritorijos

(apskritys)

50 sav. (2024 m. gruodžio 9–15 d.)

51 sav. (2024 m. gruodžio 16–22 d.)

Gripo atvejų skaičius

ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius

COVID-19 ligos  atvejų skaičius

Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir  COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius

Suminis rodiklis

(gripo, ŪVKTI ir  COVID-19 ligos  atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų)

Gripo atvejų skaičius

ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius

COVID-19 ligos  atvejų skaičius

Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir  COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius

Suminis rodiklis

(gripo, ŪVKTI ir  COVID-19 ligos  atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų)

Alytaus

24

1443

33

1500

1117,9

50

1345

29

1424

1061,3

Kauno

327

8408

117

8852

1512,1

996

8921

120

10037

1714,5

Klaipėdos

212

4290

46

4548

1338,3

666

4588

51

5305

1561,1

Marijampolės

21

1677

28

1726

1281,7

72

1643

28

1743

1294,3

Panevėžio

104

2264

41

2409

1152,1

236

2484

53

2773

1326,2

Šiaulių

41

3221

36

3298

1236,1

150

3325

50

3525

1321,2

Tauragės

161

966

39

1166

1287,9

163

1025

29

1217

1344,2

Telšių

71

1399

13

1483

1132,8

201

1440

16

1657

1265,7

Utenos

4

1217

20

1241

983,4

25

1160

38

1223

969,2

Vilniaus

513

13517

257

14287

1645,5

1094

13990

230

15314

1763,8

Iš viso Lietuvoje

1478

38402

630

40510

1403,7

3653

39921

644

44218

1532,2

According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) for week 50, the overall incidence of acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) remains similar to the same period last season. In the European Union and European Economic Area countries, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the predominant viruses. While people of various age groups are hospitalized due to the flu, the highest risk of hospitalization and severe outcomes remains among individuals aged 65 and older.

SARS-CoV-2 activity continues to decline and remains stable, with the overall test positivity rate lower than during the same period in 2023. Severe cases of COVID-19 primarily affect people aged 65 and older.

Vaccination: The Most Effective Protection

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent flu and COVID-19. Both vaccines can be administered during a single visit to your healthcare provider. Flu vaccination is free for at-risk groups but only at the medical institution where they are registered. COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge at any healthcare facility.

Vaccination is strongly recommended for:

  • People aged 65 and older
  • Residents of long-term care facilities
  • Individuals with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems
  • Healthcare workers
  • Pregnant women
  • Children aged 2–7 (free of charge since this fall)

Additional Preventive Measures

To protect yourself and others from viruses, follow these guidelines:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue, handkerchief, or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Frequently clean and ventilate indoor spaces.

If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, or joint pain, consult your family doctor.