The Highest Burden of Influenza and COVID-19 Complications Falls on Older Adults
According to the data possessed by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC) under the Ministry of Health, during January 5–11, 2026 (week 2 of the year), the overall incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (AURI), and COVID-19 in Lithuania was 892.3 cases per 100,000 population. In the first week of the year (December 29 – January 4), the rate was slightly lower at 831.1 cases per 100,000 population.
The lowest incidence remained in Panevėžys County, while the highest was in Vilnius County. Comparing the 2nd week with the 1st week, the number of influenza and COVID-19 cases decreased, while AURI cases increased. No Municipality reached epidemic levels (the threshold of 1,500 cases per 100,000 population was not exceeded).
During the 2nd week of the year, 195 people were hospitalized due to influenza and 19 due to COVID-19. Of these, 14 patients required intensive care. NPHC specialists emphasize that the risk of severe complications and death from influenza and COVID-19 is highest in high-risk groups, especially people over 65 years old and those with chronic diseases.
Last week, 8 deaths from influenza were reported (18 so far this season). The deceased were in the 60–69 (3 deaths), 80–89 (3 deaths), and over 90 (2 deaths) age groups; all had chronic conditions and were unvaccinated. Additionally, 2 deaths from COVID-19 were reported (31 so far this season), among individuals aged 40–49 and over 90, both with chronic conditions and unvaccinated.
Detailed data on the incidence in each Lithuanian Municipality are available on the NPHC website.
Incidence of Influenza, AURI, and COVID-19 by County:
nistracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 1 savaitė (2025 m. gruodžio 29 d. – 2026 m. sausio 4 d.) | 2 savaitė(2026 m. sausio 5–11 d.) | ||||||||
Gripo atvejų skaičius | ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius | COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius | Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius | Suminis rodiklis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų) | Gripo atvejų skaičius | ŪVKTI atvejų skaičius | COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius | Suminis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos) atvejų skaičius | Suminis rodiklis (gripo, ŪVKTI ir COVID-19 ligos atvejų skaičius 100 tūkst. gyventojų) | |
Alytaus | 398 | 690 | 17 | 1105 | 831,3 | 234 | 914 | 16 | 1164 | 875,7 |
Kauno | 2283 | 3151 | 90 | 5524 | 940,2 | 1536 | 4002 | 97 | 5635 | 959,1 |
Klaipėdos | 809 | 1090 | 39 | 1938 | 563,6 | 573 | 1695 | 57 | 2325 | 676,1 |
Marijampolės | 501 | 612 | 20 | 1133 | 849,6 | 352 | 877 | 23 | 1252 | 938,8 |
Panevėžio | 405 | 643 | 32 | 1080 | 521,7 | 269 | 819 | 19 | 1107 | 534,7 |
Šiaulių | 585 | 1274 | 56 | 1915 | 717,9 | 447 | 1589 | 21 | 2057 | 771,2 |
Tauragės | 263 | 381 | 10 | 654 | 727,1 | 139 | 427 | 10 | 576 | 640,4 |
Telšių | 269 | 604 | 14 | 887 | 682,9 | 209 | 755 | 15 | 979 | 753,7 |
Utenos | 301 | 566 | 13 | 880 | 717,2 | 168 | 768 | 12 | 948 | 772,6 |
Vilniaus | 2577 | 6198 | 133 | 8908 | 1016,1 | 1921 | 7715 | 115 | 9751 | 1112,2 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 8391 | 15209 | 424 | 24024 | 831,1 | 5848 | 19561 | 385 | 25794 | 892,3 |
Situation in Europe
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), in the 1st week of 2026, the number of people seeking healthcare for AURI is increasing across EU/EEA countries.
COVID-19 incidence remains low in all age groups. Influenza continues to spread, although in some countries the peak may have already passed. The A(H3N2) subtype is currently dominant, but A(H1N1)pdm09 is also circulating across all age groups. Hospitalizations are increasing in all age groups, particularly among adults over 65 years old.
The spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is gradually increasing but remains lower than in previous seasons at the same time. In some countries, hospitalizations due to RSV are rising, especially among children under 5 years of age.
Source: https://erviss.org/
How to Protect Yourself
To protect against influenza, COVID-19, and other AURI:
- Practice good personal hygiene (handwashing or disinfection).
- Follow proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
- Ventilate and clean indoor spaces frequently, including surfaces often touched.
- Stay home if you are sick, avoid gatherings, and do not send sick children to schools or childcare facilities.
- Consult your doctor if needed and follow their guidance and recommendations.
Last updated: 13-01-2026
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