Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are on the Rise
According to data possessed by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC) under the Ministry of Health, the incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory tract infections (AURTIs), and COVID-19 increased during week 50 of this year (9–15 December) compared to the previous week. The overall incidence rate rose to 1,403.7 cases per 100,000 population, up from 1,320.9 cases the week before.
The lowest incidence was reported in Utena County, while the highest was in Vilnius County. Epidemic levels were reached in 10 Municipalities: Vilnius District, Vilnius City, Plungė District, Tauragė District, Kazlų Rūda, Klaipėda City, Kaunas District, Kaunas City, Kėdainiai District, and Jonava District.
While cases of influenza and URTIs increased compared to the previous week, COVID-19 cases decreased. During week 50 of the previous flu season, the overall incidence rate was higher at 1,772.5 cases per 100,000 population.
46 individuals were hospitalized due to influenza, and 62 due to COVID-19. One patient required intensive care. There were two reported deaths from influenza, involving individuals aged 70–79 and 80–89 who had chronic illnesses. One was unvaccinated, and the vaccination status of the other was unknown. No COVID-19-related deaths were reported.
Data on the incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties
ministracinės teritorijos (apskritys) | 49 sav. (2024 m. gruodžio 2–8 d.) | 50 sav. (2024 m. gruodžio 9–15 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 | 18 | 1368 | 27 | 1413 | 1053,1 | 24 | 1443 | 33 | 1500 | 1117,9 |
Kauno | 191 | 7937 | 129 | 8257 | 1410,4 | 327 | 8408 | 117 | 8852 | 1512,1 |
Klaipėdos | 78 | 3974 | 43 | 4095 | 1205,0 | 212 | 4290 | 46 | 4548 | 1338,3 |
Marijampolės | 17 | 1540 | 25 | 1582 | 1174,8 | 21 | 1677 | 28 | 1726 | 1281,7 |
Panevėžio | 80 | 2268 | 45 | 2393 | 1144,5 | 104 | 2264 | 41 | 2409 | 1152,1 |
Šiaulių | 21 | 2991 | 28 | 3040 | 1139,4 | 41 | 3221 | 36 | 3298 | 1236,1 |
Tauragės | 136 | 1023 | 20 | 1179 | 1302,3 | 161 | 966 | 39 | 1166 | 1287,9 |
Telšių | 14 | 1288 | 15 | 1317 | 1006,0 | 71 | 1399 | 13 | 1483 | 1132,8 |
Utenos | 6 | 1206 | 47 | 1259 | 997,7 | 4 | 1217 | 20 | 1241 | 983,4 |
Vilniaus | 300 | 13012 | 273 | 13585 | 1564,6 | 513 | 13517 | 257 | 14287 | 1645,5 |
Iš viso Lietuvoje | 861 | 36607 | 652 | 38120 | 1320,9 | 1478 | 38402 | 630 | 40510 | 1403,7 |
Situacija Europoje
Situation in Europe
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), data for week 49 show that AURTI incidence across Europe remains similar to the same period last season. Influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are predominant in the European Union and European Economic Area countries.
The activity of SARS-CoV-2 continues to decline and remains stable, with the positivity rate lower than during the same period in 2023. Severe cases of COVID-19 are predominantly seen in individuals aged 65 and older.
Vaccination Strongly Recommended
Residents are reminded that they still have an opportunity to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 in a single visit to their doctor. COVID-19 vaccines are available at all healthcare institutions, while seasonal influenza vaccines are provided free of charge only to individuals in at-risk groups and at their registered healthcare facilities.
Vaccination is especially recommended for at-risk groups, including:
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- Residents of long-term care and nursing homes
- People with chronic illnesses
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- Healthcare workers
- Pregnant women
- Since this fall, children aged 2–7 years are also eligible for free influenza vaccination.
Protective Measures
To prevent influenza and other respiratory infections, NVSC specialists urge the public to follow hygiene practices:
- Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissues (or a scarf or bent elbow) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or use hand sanitizers, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unclean hands.
- Frequently clean and ventilate indoor spaces.
If you experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, or joint pain, contact your family doctor without delay.