Influenza Incidence Decreases, But Remains Higher Than Last Year’s Flu Season
According to data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), from March 31 to April 6 (week 14 of this year), the overall incidence rate of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (AURI), and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) decreased to 1423.7 cases per 100,000 population (compared to 1593.1 cases per 100,000 population in week 13). In the same period last year (2024, week 14), the incidence was significantly lower at 815.6 cases per 100,000 population.
The lowest incidence remained in Utena County, while the highest was in the Vilnius County. The epidemic threshold was reached in half as many Municipalities—14 Municipalities exceeded 1500 cases per 100,000 population.
The epidemiological situation is continuously monitored, and communication is maintained with Municipalities. If necessary, the declaration of an epidemic at the Municipal level will be considered. As of today, no Municipality has declared an epidemic. It is important to note that decisions on declaring an epidemic also take into account additional criteria, such as the occupancy of hospitals, intensive care units, and critical care beds due to influenza and/or COVID-19.
Last week, 72 individuals were hospitalized in Lithuania due to influenza, 48 of whom were children under 17 years of age. Eleven people were hospitalized due to COVID-19.
One death due to influenza was reported (a total of 68 deaths this season). The deceased was aged 80–89 years, had chronic diseases, and was not vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Two deaths due to COVID-19 were recorded (a total of 58 deaths this season).
What Helps to Protect Against Illness?
NPHC specialists remind that vaccination is available throughout the entire flu season, and it is especially recommended for individuals at risk. People can get vaccinated against COVID-19 at any healthcare facility. Seasonal flu vaccines are provided free of charge only to individuals in risk groups, and only at the healthcare facility where they are registered.
Throughout the flu season, it is also very important to wash hands thoroughly. If washing is not possible, use hand sanitizer. Ventilate rooms more frequently and clean them using a damp method. When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth with a tissue or cough and sneeze into your bent elbow. If you experience symptoms similar to a cold, stay home, work from home if possible, avoid gatherings, do not take sick children to educational institutions, and contact your family doctor.
Incidence Data for Influenza, AURTI, and COVID-19 by County:
Administracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 13 sav. (2025 m. kovo 24–30 d.) | 14 sav. (2025 m. kovo 31 d. – balandžio 6 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 | 355 | 1681 | 27 | 2063 | 1537,5 | 273 | 1450 | 15 | 1738 | 1295,3 |
Kauno | 1517 | 8250 | 65 | 9832 | 1679,4 | 1182 | 7545 | 77 | 8804 | 1503,9 |
Klaipėdos | 597 | 4202 | 27 | 4826 | 1420,1 | 435 | 3790 | 11 | 4236 | 1246,5 |
Marijampolės | 228 | 1719 | 18 | 1965 | 1459,2 | 300 | 1624 | 18 | 1942 | 1442,1 |
Panevėžio | 295 | 2243 | 16 | 2554 | 1221,5 | 288 | 1937 | 15 | 2240 | 1071,3 |
Šiaulių | 397 | 3637 | 29 | 4063 | 1522,8 | 337 | 3393 | 20 | 3750 | 1405,5 |
Tauragės | 162 | 1041 | 2 | 1205 | 1331,0 | 121 | 907 | 4 | 1032 | 1139,9 |
Telšių | 352 | 1478 | 3 | 1833 | 1400,2 | 273 | 1229 | 7 | 1509 | 1152,7 |
Utenos | 165 | 1286 | 2 | 1453 | 1151,4 | 107 | 1143 | 2 | 1252 | 992,1 |
Vilniaus | 2212 | 13830 | 139 | 16181 | 1863,6 | 1839 | 12631 | 112 | 14582 | 1679,5 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 6280 | 39367 | 328 | 45975 | 1593,1 | 5155 | 35649 | 281 | 41085 | 1423,7 |
Situation in Europe
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) data for week 13 of this year, increased AURI activity is still observed in the EU and EEA countries.
The highest flu activity was recorded in week 6 of 2025. Currently, almost all countries show a decreasing trend, with half of the countries reporting that flu activity has returned to baseline or low levels.
The activity of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) peaked in week 52 of 2024 and has been decreasing since then, but it remains high. In about one-third of EU/EEA countries, RSV activity is still elevated or increasing.
COVID-19 activity started decreasing in the summer of 2024 and remained low during the winter period.
Older adults over 65 years of age tend to suffer more severely from influenza, while RSV-related infections mainly affect children under 5 years old.
Source of Information: ERVISS