Number of People Hospitalized Due to Flu Is Decreasing Every Week

The National Public Health Centre under the Ministry of Health (NPHC) informs that last week (17-23 April), the number of reported cases of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 slightly increased, but there were half as many hospitalizations due to flu.

Compared to the previous week, fewer cases of flu and COVID-19, but more cases of ARI were reported last week. The epidemic level of incidence (more than 1 500 cases/100 000 population) was not reached in any Municipality for more than a month (5 consecutive weeks).

The total incidence rate in week 16 /2023 was 592.9 cases/ 100 000 population, compared to  571.1 cases/ 100 000 population the week before. The highest incidence rates were reported in Kaunas (886.69 cases/ 100 000 population), in Panevėžys (864.20 cases/ 100 000 population), and Kazlų Rūda Municipality (841.32 cases/ 100 000 population).

Last week, 21 people were hospitalized due to flu, almost all of them (20) under 18 years of age. In week 15 (April 10-16), twice as many children under the age of 18 were hospitalized (40), and in week 14, 74 people were hospitalized.

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

According to the data from the National Public Health Laboratory, in week 15/2023, a total of 22 specimens were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 15 tested positive for type B virus.

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

According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in Europe for week 15/2023, 1,732 of 36,184 specimens taken to determine the influenza virus tested positive; (28% were type A, and 72% were type B).

European weekly data on influenza virus detections by type, season 2022/2023

Flu season has not ended yet. The NPHC specialists recommend everyone to wash hands thoroughly, ventilate and wet clean the premises regularly, follow the cough and sneeze etiquette: cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue, and when you feel flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, headache, pain in joints etc.), consult your family doctor.

Last updated: 17-05-2023

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