Number of Cases Decreases: Fewer People Admitted to Hospital Due to Influenza

According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), in week 8 of this year (19-25 February) the cumulative incidence rate of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) slightly decreased in the country and was 1363.2cases/ 100 000 population compared to 1422.5 cases/ 100 000 population in week 7 of this year (12-18 February). The number of all cold-like diseases (flu, COVID-19, and ARI) decreased.

The current situation of influenza and other ARI (excluding COVID-19) is similar to that recorded during the 2017-2018 influenza season. Last week, the highest rate of influenza, COVID-19 and ARI were recorded in the Municipalities of Kazlų Rūda, Kaunas District and Vilnius City. Epidemic level, i.e. the threshold of 1500 cases per 100 000 population, was reached in 10 Municipalities. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic.

The assessment of the epidemiological situation is based on an integrated assessment of influenza, COVID-19 and other ARIs. Additional criteria, such as the occupancy of hospitals, emergency rooms, and ICU beds due to influenza and/or COVID-19, must also be considered when deciding whether to declare an epidemic. It is also important to consider the situation in personal health care, social care and nursing, and educational institutions. NPHC specialists are constantly monitoring the situation in cooperation with municipal representatives, and propose to announce an epidemic if necessary.

In week 8/2024, 97 people were hospitalised with influenza in Lithuania: 53 children (0-17 years), 7 people aged 18-64 and 37 people aged 65years and over. 6 persons (all over 18 years) were treated in intensive care units. in the previous week 126 people were hospitalized.

3 more deaths due to influenza were reported over the week: 2 in Šiauliai County and 1 in Kaunas County. The persons belonged to the age groups 70-79 and 80-89, neither was vaccinated against seasonal influenza and all of them had other chronic diseases. A total of 19 influenza deaths were recorded this flu season (compared to 21 influenza deaths in the 2022-2023 flu season).

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

According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, in week 7/2024, a total of 175 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 124 tested positive for influenza type A virus, and 21 tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

Incidence of influenza, COVID-19 and ARI in Lithuania during flu season since 2017.

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), at the end of week 7, all indicators pointed to high influenza activity in the EU/EEA, which seems to have been decreasing slightly over the past two weeks.

At the EU/EEA level, a decreasing trend in pooled primary care positivity for influenza has been observed over the past two weeks, with a mixture of stable and decreasing trends observed at the country level.

Source: https://erviss.org/ 

Although the number of cases has been declining for several weeks in a row, the flu season is not over yet. It usually lasts until the end of May (week 20 of the year). Therefore, NPHC experts urge everyone to continue to observe good hygiene rules: regularly wash your hands and/or disinfect them when washing is not possible; ventilate and wet clean the premises; observe coughing and sneezing etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue. If you experience cold-like symptoms (sore throat or headache, a stuffy or runny nose, etc.), stay at home or work from home and contact your GP.

Last updated: 26-02-2024

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