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.
Last updated: 23-12-2024
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