Number of Sick People Decreasing but Flu Season Is Not Over Yet

According to the data in possession by NPHC, in week 9 of this year (26 February – 3 March), the overall incidence rate of influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), and COVID-19 was 1216.5 cases / 100 000 population in the country, compared to  1363,2 cases/ 100 000 populationin week 8 (19-25 February)

The lowest incidence rate was observed in Telšiai County, whereas the highest in Vilnius County. Epidemic level, i.e. the threshold of 1500 cases per 100 000 population, was reached in 2 Municipalities (Visaginas and Vilnius City), compared to 10 in the week before. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic.

During week 9, 73 individuals in Lithuania were hospitalized due to influenza, including 35 children (0–17 years old), 10 individuals 18–64 years of age, and 28 individuals over the age of 65. 4 individuals (all over 18 years old) were treated in intensive care units. The week before the numbers of hospitalisation and admission to ICU were  97 and 6 respectively.

One death due to flu was reported in Šiauliai County. The individual, who belonged to the age group of 60-69 years, was not vaccinated against seasonal flu, and had chronic diseases. A total of 20 influenza deaths have been reported this season, compared to 21 in the 2022-2023 influenza 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 8/2024, a total of 169 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI, of which 88 tested positive for influenza type A virus, 13 tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 6 tested  positive for B type virus. 

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 8 all indicators pointed to high influenza activity in the EU/EEA, which seems to have been decreasing slightly over the past three weeks. However, the number of hospital admissions in the EU/EEA remained the same or decreased. The rate of severe seasonal influenza-related illnesses is also decreasing.

NPHC specialists urge citisens to practice good hygiene throughout the flu season which usually lasts until mid-May (week 20 of the year): wash hands regularly; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands; ventilate and wet-clean your rooms more often; cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of used tissues and face masks promptly into a waste bin. Wear a medical mask to help reduce airborne transmission of all types of respiratory viral infections.

Last updated: 05-03-2024

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