Incidence of Respiratory Illnesses Increased in the Final Week of Calendar Winter

According to data from the National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health of Lithuania (NPHC), during week 9 of the year (23 February – 1 March) the overall incidence rate of influenza, acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs), and COVID-19 in Lithuania increased to 817.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, compared with 739.8 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the previous week (week 8).

Last week, the number of influenza cases decreased compared with the previous week, while COVID-19 and URTI cases increased.

The lowest incidence rate remained in Panevėžys County, while the highest rate was recorded in Vilnius County. The epidemic threshold (more than 1,500 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) was reached in one Municipality.

For comparison, during the same week of the previous season (week 9/ 2025), the overall incidence rate was 1,845.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

During week 9, 116 people were hospitalized due to influenza and 28 due to COVID-19 in Lithuania. Seventeen patients were treated in intensive care units because of these illnesses.

Between 23 February and 1 March, four deaths from influenza were recorded (76 in total this season). The deceased belonged to the 70–79 years (2 cases) and 80–89 years (2 cases) age groups. All had chronic underlying conditions; three were unvaccinated and one had been vaccinated.

One death from COVID-19 was also recorded (40 in total this season). The person belonged to the 80–89 years age group, had chronic conditions, and had not been vaccinated.

Detailed municipality-level incidence data are available on the NPHC website.

Incidence of influenza, AURTIs, and COVID-19 by County:          

Taking Responsibility for Our Health

At present, the incidence of influenza and other respiratory infections remains high, therefore it is important to consistently follow preventive measures.

People are encouraged to maintain good personal hygiene and proper coughing and sneezing etiquette:

• cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or the bent elbow when coughing or sneezing;
• dispose of used tissues immediately;
• wash hands frequently and thoroughly;
• avoid touching the face with unwashed hands;
• avoid contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.

It is also recommended to regularly ventilate indoor spaces and clean them using wet cleaning methods.

If symptoms of a respiratory infection appear, individuals should stay at home, avoid gatherings, and refrain from visiting people aged 65 and older or those with chronic diseases. Children who feel unwell should not attend educational institutions. If illness occurs, individuals should contact their family doctor and follow medical advice.

Healthcare and social care institutions, after assessing their infrastructure and available resources, may implement additional infection control measures, such as regulating patient flows, setting rules for the use of personal protective equipment, or restricting visiting hours or the number of visitors.

Situation in Europe

According to week 8 data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the number of people seeking medical care for acute respiratory infections in EU/EEA countries has declined in recent weeks.

The incidence of COVID-19 remains low across all age groups.

Influenza activity continues to decline in most countries, and the number of hospital visits related to influenza has also decreased. Most hospitalized patients belong to the 65+ age group. Currently, influenza virus types A(H3) and A(H1)pdm09 are circulating.

The incidence of RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remains high, although it has slightly decreased over the past two weeks. The number of patients hospitalized with RSV has not declined, and most of them are children under five years of age.

Last updated: 05-03-2026

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