Slight Increase in the Number of Sick During the Week
According to the data possessed by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), the number of patients with influenza, acute respiratory infections (ARI) and COVID-19 changed slightly during the last week (23-29 October), with the incidence rate of the diseases reaching 1199.77 cases per 100 000 population. In the previous week (16-22 October), the overall incidence rate was 1166 cases per 100 000 population.
The lowest incidence was in Utena County (868 cases per 100 000 population), whereas the highest incidence was in Vilnius County (1406.3 cases per 100 000 population).
11 persons were hospitalised due to influenza: 6 children (0-17 years) and 5 persons over 65 years of age. No person was treated in intensive care units.
Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties
According to the National Public Health Care Laboratory, a total of 263 specimens were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI in week 42 of 2023, 3 of which tested positive for influenza A virus.
Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017
The season is getting into full swing, but it is not too late to vaccinate
NPHC experts remind everyone that the flu season started in week 40 of this year and will end in week 20 of the next year. This is the period when the incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 increases. Therefore, we need to take care of ourselves and others by practicing good hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, avoiding crowded places when having cold symptoms, and ventilating rooms where we spend a lot of time more often.
We will reiterate here that the most effective protection against influenza and COVID-19 is vaccination. Our recommendation is to get vaccinated against the diseases in one visit. Getting vaccinated against both influenza and COVID-19, is particularly recommended for people at risk: people aged 65 and over, people living in social care and nursing homes, people with chronic diseases, people with weakened immunity, medical professionals, and pregnant women.
Residents can be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines at any health facility. If people at risk wish to be vaccinated against influenza also, they can do so at the health facility where they are registered.
Last updated: 31-10-2023
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