Flu Season Reaches Its Midpoint: Infection Rates Continue to Rise
According to data possessed by National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC), the overall incidence rate of influenza, acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTI), and COVID-19 in Lithuania increased during January 19–25 (week 4 of the year) compared with the previous week, reaching 1,253.3 cases per 100,000 population. In week 3 (January 12–18), the rate was 965.3 cases per 100,000 population.
Such an increase is typical for this time of year, as the highest numbers of influenza cases are usually recorded in January and February.
Overall Number of Cases Has Increased
The number of people affected by influenza, COVID-19, and AURTI has risen. The lowest incidence was recorded in Alytus and Panevėžys Counties, while the highest was in Šiauliai County.
Epidemic-level incidence (exceeding 1,500 cases per 100,000 population) was reached in nine Municipalities. The highest rates remained in Pagėgiai Municipality (2,761.1 cases per 100,000 population) and Šiauliai City Municipality (2,297.8 cases per 100,000 population).
When assessing the epidemiological situation, NPHC evaluates the overall incidence of respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, and other circulating viruses. Decisions on declaring an epidemic also take into account additional criteria, such as hospital, intensive care, and ICU bed occupancy related to influenza and/or COVID-19, as well as the situation in educational institutions.
NPHC specialists continuously monitor the situation, cooperate with municipal authorities, and will propose declaring an epidemic if necessary.
During the past week (week 4), 290 people were hospitalized due to influenza and 30 due to COVID-19. A total of 21 patients were treated in intensive care units.
It should be noted that the highest risk of complications and death from influenza and COVID-19 occurs among high-risk groups, particularly people over 65 years of age and those with chronic underlying conditions.
Last week, four deaths from influenza were reported (33 in total this season). The deceased belonged to the 70–79, 80–89 (two cases), and 90+ age groups; all had chronic illnesses and were unvaccinated.
One death from COVID-19 was also recorded last week (34 in total this season); the individual was aged 80–89, had chronic conditions, and was unvaccinated.
Data on the incidence of influenza, AURI and COVID-19 in Counties
dministracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 3 savaitė (2026 m. sausio 12–18 d.) | 4 savaitė(2026 m. sausio 19–25 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 | 235 | 862 | 16 | 1113 | 837,4 | 258 | 1015 | 21 | 1294 | 973,5 |
Kauno | 1655 | 4103 | 84 | 5842 | 994,4 | 2387 | 5025 | 104 | 7516 | 1279,3 |
Klaipėdos | 920 | 1704 | 36 | 2660 | 773,6 | 1665 | 2371 | 69 | 4105 | 1193,8 |
Marijampolės | 459 | 826 | 18 | 1303 | 977,1 | 516 | 901 | 21 | 1438 | 1078,3 |
Panevėžio | 414 | 828 | 17 | 1259 | 608,2 | 1022 | 970 | 24 | 2016 | 973,8 |
Šiaulių | 1064 | 1895 | 36 | 2995 | 1122,8 | 1662 | 2638 | 47 | 4347 | 1629,7 |
Tauragės | 388 | 454 | 5 | 847 | 941,7 | 617 | 615 | 9 | 1241 | 1379,7 |
Telšių | 289 | 903 | 15 | 1207 | 929,3 | 459 | 1003 | 23 | 1485 | 1143,3 |
Utenos | 228 | 772 | 10 | 1010 | 823,1 | 403 | 900 | 20 | 1323 | 1078,2 |
Vilniaus | 1753 | 7794 | 120 | 9667 | 1102,6 | 2400 | 8891 | 172 | 11463 | 1307,5 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 7405 | 20141 | 357 | 27903 | 965,3 | 11389 | 24329 | 510 | 36228 | 1253,3 |
Infection-Control Regime in Educational Institutions
During January 19–25 (week 4), nine requests were received to introduce an infection-control regime (ICR) in Lithuanian educational institutions. A total of 26 requests have been submitted so far this season.
At present, no Municipality has declared an epidemic, therefore school or kindergarten heads must submit a request to NPHC in order to introduce an ICR. Once NPHC approval is granted, an application must be submitted to the Municipal mayor, whose decision formally declares the regime. More detailed information is available online.
Situation in Europe
According to week 3 data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the number of people seeking medical care for AURTI is increasing in most EU/EEA countries.
COVID-19 incidence remains low across all age groups.
Influenza continues to spread rapidly, although in some countries the peak appears to have passed. The influenza A(H3N2) subtype is dominant, but A(H1N1)pdm09 is also circulating across all age groups. The highest number of hospitalizations remains among people over 65 years of age.
The incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also rising, along with increasing hospital visits, particularly among children under five years of age.