Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections Continues to Decrease
The National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC) informs that since the end of the last year, the total incidence rate of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 has been decreasing every week in the country. Last week, the total incidence rate reached 882.8 cases/100,000 compared to 1330 cases/100,000 in the first week of this year.
Comparison of the data received over to last weeks shows that fewer cases of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 were registered in the second week of this year.
In the period 9-15 January, the lowest incidence rate of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 remained in Utena County, whereas the highest in Kaunas County. Last week, not a single Municipality in the country reached the epidemic level, i.e. 1500 cases/100,000 in comparison to 11 Municipalities the week before.
Last week, the highest incidence rates were reported in Visaginas (1395.61 cases/100,000), Kaunas City (1195.30 cases/100,000) and Panevėžys City (1188.55 cases/100,000).
Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties
In the second week of this year, 69 people were hospitalised due to influenza, more than half of whom (37 patients) were children under 17, and 1 pregnant woman. 5 persons were treated in intensive care units.
Over the period 9-15 January, 3 deaths from influenza were reported (in age group 40-49 years and 80-89 years). 2 of them were not vaccinated against seasonal flu. All the persons had coinfections. A total of 11 deaths from influenza have been reported in the country this flu season so far.
According to the data from the National Public Health Laboratory, in the first week of this year, a total of 610 specimens were obtained from patients with symptoms of ARI, most of which (140 specimens) were positive for influenza A virus, 5 for influenza type B virus, and 50 for respiratory syncytial virus.
Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017
According to European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), for week 1/2023 in Europe,12 652 of 67 248 specimens tested positive for an influenza virus; 88% were type A and 12% were type B.
European weekly data on influenza virus detections by type, season 2022/2023
Most of vaccines has been used
For 2022-2023 flu season, more than 202,000 doses of flu vaccine for individuals at risk were distributed among treatment facilities in the country. A total of 185,282 persons belonging to risk groups have been vaccinated so far (91.6% of vaccine doses were used). 62% were aged 65 and older, almost 20% suffering from chronic diseases, more than 7% health care workers, 2% living in social care and nursing institutions, and almost 0.5% were pregnant women.
NPHC specialists urge everyone to step up the pace and get vaccinated, especially persons at risk. It's not too late yet as the flu season is only half way through, and it takes about two weeks for immunity to build up.
NPHC points out that you can get a flu vaccine and COVID-19 shot in one visit.
Last updated: 17-05-2023
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