The 2025–2026 Flu Season Has Started as Usual
Last week (week 40 of the year), the 2025–2026 flu season began in Lithuania, and it will continue until May of next year (week 20 of the year). Specialists at the National Public Health Centre (NPHC) monitor the overall incidence of influenza, COVID-19, and other acute respiratory infections (ARI) throughout the year. However, during the flu season, monitoring is intensified to ensure timely measures can be taken to control disease spread if necessary. During this period, not only are the incidence rates of influenza, COVID-19, and ARI carefully evaluated, but also hospitalization trends for these diseases, the dynamics of incidence (increasing or decreasing trends), and, based on these assessments, Municipalities are advised on the necessary infectious disease control measures.
Incidence Data Are Published
During the flu season, thoroughly analyzed data will be shared not only on the NPHC website but also through press releases. These communications will provide continuous updates on the situation, share recommendations, remind the public of key preventive measures, and publish other important information.
In the week 40 of the year (September 29 – October 5), the overall cumulative incidence rate in Lithuania slightly increased compared to the previous week, reaching 1,139.3 cases per 100,000 population (it was 1,100.1 cases per 100,000 population in week 39). In the week 40 of the previous season, the overall incidence rate was 1,181.5 cases per 100,000 population. The number of COVID-19 cases decreased, while influenza and ARI cases increased. No M unicipality reported epidemic-level incidence. The highest incidence rate was observed in Vilnius County (1,346.6 cases per 100,000), and the lowest in Utena County (873.7 cases per 100,000 population).
No deaths from influenza were recorded, and four deaths from COVID-19 were reported.
To check the incidence in a specific area of Lithuania (county or city) throughout the year and during the flu season, visit the NPHC website. The data are updated every Monday and reflect the incidence from the previous week (including cases of individuals who sought medical care from Monday to Sunday of the previous week).
The Most Effective Protection – Vaccination
The seasonal flu vaccine is provided free of charge to individuals in risk groups: people aged 65 and older, people with chronic diseases, residents of social care and nursing facilities, healthcare workers (including students whose practical training takes place in healthcare institutions), pregnant women, and children aged 2–7 years.
Registration for COVID-19 vaccination is available [here] or by directly contacting a healthcare institution that has ordered COVID-19 vaccines. A list of healthcare institutions that have ordered influenza and COVID-19 vaccines is available [here] (updated regularly).
COVID-19 vaccination is especially recommended for the same risk groups as the influenza vaccine.
According to the State Health Insurance Fund, influenza vaccines have already arrived in Lithuania and are expected to be distributed to healthcare institutions in October according to their pre-requested needs.
To receive a flu vaccine, you should contact your registered healthcare provider, while COVID-19 vaccination can be done at any healthcare institution that has ordered these vaccines.
More information is available [here].
Important Prevention Measures
Protection against influenza, COVID-19, and other ARI is recommended not only through vaccination but also through other simple yet effective measures. It is important to follow personal hygiene rules and cough and sneeze etiquette. When sneezing or coughing, cover your nose and mouth, use disposable tissues, and discard them immediately after use. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with viruses, and do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. It is recommended to ventilate rooms regularly and clean surfaces with damp cloth or mop. If you experience cold-like symptoms, stay at home (work from home if possible), avoid gatherings, do not bring sick children to educational institutions, consult your family doctor, and follow their recommendations.
Situation in Europe
According to data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) for the 39th week, incidence of COVID-19 remains elevated in the EU/EEA countries. The prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza remains low.
The number of people seeking medical care for ARI remains low, but in most countries, it is increasing, as usual for this time of year. The largest increase is observed among children under 15 years old.
Severe cases of COVID-19, which primarily affect those aged 65 and older, remain low compared to previous epidemics.
Source: https://erviss.org/
Ongoing Project
Since January 1 of this year, NVSC has been implementing the LT-SURVEILLANCE project, “Strengthening the Infectious Disease Surveillance System in Lithuania,” aimed at enhancing the epidemiological monitoring of respiratory infections. The project focuses on increasing healthcare institutions’ engagement, establishing surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI), digitizing surveillance data, and expanding laboratory capacities.
More information about the project is available [here].
Last updated: 07-10-2025
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