Flu Season Is Approaching Its End: The Number of Sick People Is Decreasing Every Week

The National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC) informs that over the period of 1-7 May, the number of reported cases of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 decreased further and fewer people were hospitalized due to flu than the week before.

The comparison with the previous week shows a decreasing trend in all diseases.

The total incidence rate in week 18/2023 was 480.1 cases/100 000 population compared to 522.9 cases/100 000 population in week 17. The highest incidence rates were reported in Kėdainiai District Municipality (849.47 cases/100 000 population), Kazlų Rūda Municipality (805.14 cases/100 000 population), and Šiauliai City Municipality (750.10 cases/100 000 population).

During 1-7 May, 9 persons were hospitalized due to flu, almost all of whom were minors (7), whereas in week 17/2023 (24-30 April), a total of 19 persons were hospitalized, 15 of whom belonged to 0-17 age group.

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

According to the data from the National Public Health Laboratory, in week 17/2023, a total of 35 specimens were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 2 tested positive for type B virus.

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

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in Europe for week 17/2023, 988 of 33,537 specimens taken to determine the influenza virus tested positive (25% were type A, and 75% were type B).

European weekly data on influenza virus detections by type, season 2022/2023 

Although the flu season is coming to an end (it will end in week 20/2023), NPHC specialists recommend everyone to be vigilant and continue to carefully follow the rules of hand hygiene: constantly ventilate and wet clean the premises, observe cough and sneeze etiquette - cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue, and if you feel flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, joint pain, etc.) contact your family doctor.

Last updated: 15-05-2023

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