More People Admitted to Hospital Due to Influenza

According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), in  the first week of this year (1-7 January) the incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) increased in the country to 1,063.1 cases per 100,000 population compared to 877.4 cases per 100,000 population in the last week of last year.

In the first week of this year, the lowest incidence rate was registered in Alytus County whereas the highest in Vilnius County. No municipality reached the epidemic level, i.e. the threshold of 1500 cases per 100 000 population was crossed. To date, no municipality has declared an epidemic.

Over 1-7 January, 49 persons were hospitalised due to influenza: 23 minors (0-17 years), 14 persons aged 18-64 and 12 persons aged 65 and over. 4 persons were treated in intensive care units, including 1 child. The number of hospital admissions in the previous week was lower (40).

The second case of death due to influenza (in Šiauliai region) was registered this flu season. The person belonged to the group of persons aged over 90 years, was not vaccinated against seasonal influenza and had other chronic diseases.

Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties

According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, a total of 1317samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARV in weeks, this season (from week 40/ 2023 to week 52 /2023, of which 103tested positive for influenza type A virus,2 tested positive for influenza B virus, and 30 samples were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), by the end of week 52 (ending 31 December 2023), rates of respiratory illness (influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI)) in the community continue to increase in most EU/EEA countries.

Countries report different trends of ARV incidence but due to the festive period the data should be interpreted with caution.

Source: https://erviss.org/. 

Vaccines provide the most effective protection

NPHC specialists remind the residents about the possibility to get vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19 at a single visit to the doctor. People  at risk (65 years of age and older; residents of social care and nursing homes; people with chronic diseases; immunocompromised people; healthcare workers; pregnant women) are specifically urged to get the vaccine.

As of 8 January 2024, 213 818 persons have been vaccinated against seasonal influenza since September. As of 5 October, 52 378 persons have been vaccinated against COVID-19. For more information go to: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/skiepu-svieslente

Other measures to protect against flu and other colds that should not be ignored

- Wash your hands thoroughly on a regular basis (for at least 20-30 seconds) and disinfect them if you are unable to wash them.

- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands.

- Ventilate and wet clean the premises often.

- Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing and coughing. Dispose of the used tissues in the rubbish bin. If you do not have a tissue handy, sneeze and cough into your sleeve (preferably at the elbow). If you have covered your mouth and nose with the palm of your hand, wash your hands immediately.

- If you feel cold-like symptoms, stay at home, stay away from public gatherings, do not take sick children to educational institutions, contact your family doctor, and follow his/her advice.

- It is recommended to wear a medical mask or respirator that help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others when coughing or sneezing. Also wear a medical mask or respirator when taking care of a sick person.

- Wear medical face masks or respirators in enclosed public places during a peak period of illness: shops, houses of worship, public transport and other enclosed places that are poorly ventilated and crowded and where it is not possible to keep a safe distance from other people. In healthcare facilities, wear face protection according to their procedures and follow their rules.

Last updated: 09-01-2024

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