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The Directorate of Health

Respiratory tract infections. Week 46 of 2023

23rd November 2023

A recent report on the frequency of respiratory tract infections and hospitalisations this winter compares Iceland to the situation in Europe.

Lit ISL SVL litið

-Automatic translation

There was an increase in cases of COVID-19 and influenza compared to last week. Increased confirmed influenza virus cases indicate an influenza epidemic is about to begin. There was also an increase in people admitted to Landspítali with respiratory tract infections, most of whom had COVID-19 or 40 individuals. Five of those hospitalised had influenza, and five patients had RSV. Most inpatients with respiratory tract infections are in the age group 65 years and older, excluding RSV. Participation in influenza vaccination is lower this year compared to the same time in the previous five years. The Chief Epidemiologist encourages people to follow the recommendations for vaccinations against respiratory tract infections for the upcoming winter.

In a new report (Icelandic), the frequency of respiratory tract infections in week 46 of 2023 is reviewed in more detail.

The Chief Epidemiologist