Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

The number of reported influenza cases increased during Week 2 compared to Week 1. A total of 55 cases were identified: 42 with influenza A(pdm09), eight with A(H3), and five with influenza B. Cases occurred across all age groups, with eight individuals aged 65 and older and 10 children under five years old.

Seven individuals were in hospital with influenza during Week 2, fewer than in the previous two weeks. Of these, two were aged 65 and older, and the rest were between 15–64 years old. Additionally, 22 individuals sought emergency care due to influenza.

The number of RSV cases remained steady between Week 1 and Week 2, with fewer cases compared to the final weeks of 2024. In Week 2, 52 RSV cases were reported, nearly half of whom were 65 years or older. Seven infants under one year old were diagnosed, representing a significant decrease compared to prior weeks. Fifteen individuals were in hospital with RSV during Week 2, including 13 aged 65 and older, and two aged 15–64.

Three COVID-19 cases were diagnosed in Week 2, and one person was in hospital.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among other respiratory viruses, rhinovirus (common cold) and non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses were the most commonly detected.

Respiratory samples sent for viral testing reached their highest level this winter, with 324 samples analyzed in Week 2. However, the positivity rate has been declining for the past three weeks, reaching 45% during Week 2.

Clinical diagnoses of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (based on physician reports, independent of lab results) have decreased over the past three weeks. Four cases were reported in Week 2. No pertussis (whooping cough) cases have been reported for six weeks, indicating that the outbreak that began last spring is likely over.

Situation in Europe

• Influenza cases continue to rise across EU/EEA countries. Individuals aged 65 and older are at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization, though cases occur across all age groups. The majority of influenza viruses detected this winter have been A(H1N1)pdm09.

• RSV incidence has stabilized after increasing at the end of 2024. Since Week 40, approximately 70% of hospitalized RSV cases have been in children under five years old, and about 20% have been in individuals aged 65 and older. Both RSV-related hospitalizations and ICU admissions are increasing.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence is stable or declining and is lower than at the same time last winter.
  

Further information is available on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control website.

Preventive Measures

Influenza and RSV are expected to continue spreading in the coming weeks. Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness caused by respiratory viruses. Influenza vaccines are still available from suppliers. Parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years, individuals over 60 years old, and other priority and high-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated. These groups are at the highest risk of severe illness from influenza and RSV.

Influenza vaccination uptake has been below expectations, with only 46% of those over 60 and fewer than 20% of children under 5 vaccinated so far this winter. RSV vaccines for infants are unavailable in Iceland, and uptake among older adults remains low.

General Infection Prevention Reminders:

• Avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while symptomatic and until fully recovered, including being fever-free for 24 hours.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Exercise special caution around vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded settings.

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate communal areas as much as possible.

The Chief Epidemiologist