Upward Curve in Morbidity: More Cases of Influenza and ARI

According to the data acquired by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), in  the second week of this year (8-14 January) the incidence of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 (coronavirus infection) increased in the country to 1 200.9 cases / 100 000 inhabitants (compared to 1,063.1 / 100 000 inhabitants in the first week of the year). More cases of influenza and ARI were reported, while the number of COVID-19 cases decreased compared with the previous week.

The lowest incidence rate was reported in Telšiai County whereas the highest was reported in Vilnius County. Epidemic level, i.e. the threshold of 1500 cases per 100 000 population, was reached in the Municipalities of Visaginas and Vilnius City. To date, no Municipality has declared an epidemic.

67 people were hospitalised in the country due to influenza: 37 children (0-17 years), 5 individuals aged 18-64 and 25 individuals aged 65 and over. 7 people were treated in intensive care units, including 1 child. In the previous week, 49 persons were hospitalised.

Last week, two deaths due to influenza were reported (in Vilnius region), in the age groups 70-79 and 80-89. Both individuals had chronic illnesses, one of them was vaccinated against seasonal influenza. A total of 4 influenza deaths were reported this flu season.

Data on incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 in Counties

According to the data from National Public Health Care Laboratory, a total of 101 samples were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI in the first week of the year, of which 32 tested positive for influenza type A virus, 2 samples tested positive for influenza B virus and 14 samples were positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  

Seasonal incidence of influenza and acute respiratory infections in Lithuania since 2017

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Network (ERVISS), by the end of week 1 (ending 7 January 2024), rates of respiratory illness (influenza-like illness (ILI) and/or acute respiratory infection (ARI)) in the community continue to increase in most EU/EEA countries. Rates of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases presenting to secondary care due to seasonal influenza were at a level comparable to the same time last year and are now notably increasing in four of the seven reporting countries.

Source: https://erviss.org/

How to protect yourself?

The most effective way to protect against influenza and COVID-19 is vaccination. You can get vaccinated against these diseases at one visit. Vulnerable groups face a higher risk of catching illness, hospitalisation and complications; hence they are urged repeatedly to get vaccinated if they have not got the vaccine yet.

As of 15 January 2024, 214 265 people have been vaccinated against seasonal influenza since September. and 52 665 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 since 5 October. For more information go to: https://osp.stat.gov.lt/skiepu-svieslente

179 827 persons at risk were vaccinated with public funds in September-December 2023 (97% of the purchased vaccines were used), of which 69% were used for persons aged > 65 years; 20% for persons with chronic illnesses; 8% for health care workers; 2% for persons living in social care and nursing homes; and 1% for pregnant women.

Other effective measures to protect against cold-like diseases:

• Wash your hands thoroughly (for at least 20-30 seconds) and disinfect them if you cannot wash them.
• Clean all the surfaces in the house, such as door handles, table surfaces, tap handles, remote controls, fridge handles, etc., daily with normal soap or conventional surface cleaners.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue, or do so with your elbow bent.
• If you feel the symptoms of a cold-like illness, stay at home, away from public gatherings, do not take sick children to educational establishments, contact your family doctor and follow his/her recommendations.
• If possible, stay in a separate room from other family members while you are experiencing symptoms.
• Wear a respirator or a medical mask if you need to interact with others.
• Wear medical face masks or respirators in enclosed public places during the peak of the outbreak: service areas, houses of worship, public transport and other enclosed places that are poorly ventilated and crowded and where it is not possible to keep a safe distance from other people. In healthcare facilities, wear face protection according to the established procedure and follow the rules.

Last updated: 16-01-2024

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