The Curve of Sick People Went Up In a Week

According to the data possessed by the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), the number of patients with influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (ARIs) and COVID-19 increased last week. The overall incidence of these diseases was 1061.5 cases / 100 000 population, compared to 739.2 cases / 100 000 population the previous week (30 October-5 November).

Last week, the lowest incidence of influenza, ARI and COVID-19 was reported in Telšiai County, while the highest incidence was reported in Vilnius County. The number of cases did not rise to an epidemic level, i.e. 1 500 cases/ 100 1000 population, in any of the Municipalities.

Over the period of 6-12 October, 12 people were hospitalized for influenza: 9 children (0-17 years old) and 3 people over 65 years old. No individuals were treated in intensive care units. In the week 30 October – 5 November, the number of hospital admissions due to influenza was twice as low: 6 persons ( 3 children under17 years of age and 3 persons over 65). No persons were treated in intensive care units.

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

According to the data from the National Public Health Care Laboratory (NPHCL), a total of 46 specimens were taken from patients with symptoms of ARI in week 44 /2023, of which 2 samples tested positive for influenza type A virus (A(H1)pdm09) and 1 sample tested positive for  respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

According to the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary (ERVISS), by the end of week 43, rates of respiratory illness (influenza-like illness (ILI)/acute respiratory infection (ARI)) in the community were at expected levels for this time of the year in most EU/EEA countries. Compared to the previous week, influenza activity remains at low levels, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 activity are increasing. The same situation is observed in Lithuania, where the number of cases of COVID-19 is much higher than influenza rates.

With the rapidly rising incidence of the disease, we would like to remind the residents that it is not too late to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 and the best way is to get both vaccines at a single visit to your doctor. People at risk: people aged 65 and over, people living in social care and nursing homes, people with chronic diseases, people with weakened immunity, healthcare workers and pregnant women are particularly recommended to get vaccinated against these diseases.

In September-October of this year, 135 993 people belonging to risk groups were vaccinated with the seasonal influenza vaccine at the expense of the State budget (75% of the purchased vaccine was used). As of 5 October, 32 263 persons have been vaccinated for COVID-19.

The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are still available, and we are urging everybody to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.