Incidence Rates for the Most Common Infections Will Be Published Each Week
The National Public Health Center under the Ministry of Health (NVSC) points out that the 2022-2023 flu season started in Lithuania last week, which usually ends on the 20th week of the following year (May). For this flu season, incidence data will be released alongside the data on COVID-19. The cumulative incidence rate of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 disease as well as the number of such cases per 100,000 population will be calculated.
Every week during the entire flu season, NVSC will publish the incidence rates of the counties of Lithuania and each of their districts, which can be found here.
According to NVSC, over 3-10 of October, the total incidence rate of influenza, acute respiratory infections and COVID-19 was 878.2 cases per 100,000 population. In the 40th week of this year, the lowest incidence rate of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 was observed in Marijampolės County, whereas the highest was observed in Kaunas County. In the 40th week of this year, flu and ARI cases increased while COVID-19 cases decreased compared to the previous week.
In the first week of 2022-2023 flu season in Lithuania, one individual between the ages 2-17 was hospitalised.
According to the data of the National Public Health Laboratory, in 39th week of 2022, no samples were received for the determination of the flu virus, therefore influenza virus was not isolated.
Flu shots help prevent serious flu complications
NVSC notes that vaccination is the most effective measure available to protect people from flu and the complications it can lead to. Based on researches studies, a specific flu vaccine is developed for every season, so you need to get a flu shot every year. Everyone who wants to get a flu vaccine should contact their family doctor. The vaccine is being provided free of charge to all individuals belonging to a risk group.
"Vaccination, especially for individuals at risk, aims to protect people against flu and the complications it may cause: bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases," points out Greta Gargasienė, chief specialist of Communicable Diseases Management Division at NVSC.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone, but especially for persons belonging to risk groups: people aged 65+ years, people living in social care and nursing facilities, people with chronic diseases, people with weakened immunity, as well as doctors and pregnant women.
Last updated: 02-12-2022
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