Flu Season Is Counting its Final Days
This week (week 20/2023) is the final week of flu season 2022-2023, which began last October. According to the data obtained by the National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC), in week 19 (the last but one week of the flu season) the incidence of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 slightly increased. The total incidence rate in week 19 was 561.6 cases /100 000 population compared to 480.1 cases/ 100 000 population in the week before. The highest incidence rates were reported in Panevėžys (894.50 cases/ 100 000 population), Šiauliai (877.27 cases/ 100 000 population), and the Municipality of Kėdainiai District ( 864.56 cases/ 100 000 population).
Comparing the incidence rates of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARTIs) and COVID-19 disease in week 19 /2023 with the indicators of the previous week, it can be seen that the number of cases of influenza decreased, while the number of cases of ARI and COVID-19 increased.
During 8-14 May fewer people were hospitalized due to flu than a week before (5 people, including 3 minors), whereas in 1-7 May, 9 persons were hospitalized, of which 7 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 18/2023, a total of 37 specimens were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 5 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, 785 of 27 862 specimens taken to determine the influenza virus tested positive (26% were type A, and 74% were type B).
European weekly data on influenza virus detections by type, season 2022/2023
Although the flu season is coming to an end, NPHC specialists recommend to continue to be vigilant and follow hygiene rules: wash your hands thoroughly, ventilate and wet clean the premises, and cover your coughs and sneezes. If you start feeling flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, joint pain, etc.), it is recommended to contact your family doctor and not self-medicate.
Last updated: 15-05-2023
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