Influenza remains widespread, and high-risk and priority groups are still encouraged to get vaccinated. Diagnoses of RSV infections continue to decline, and COVID-19 cases remain low. New cases of pertussis were identified after six weeks without any detections.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Influenza case numbers have fluctuated since the new year. A total of 46 individuals were diagnosed in week 3, including 24 with influenza type A(pdm09), 12 with type A(H3), and 10 with influenza type B. Cases occurred across all age groups, with 15 individuals aged 65 or older and seven under five years old.

Eleven individuals hospitalized at Landspítali during week 3 had influenza, including seven aged 65 or older, one child aged 1–2, and another aged 5–14. Additionally, 24 people were in emergency departments with influenza, a figure similar to the previous three weeks.

RSV diagnoses continued to decrease, with 24 cases identified in week 3, over half of them in individuals aged 65 or older. Six infants under one year were diagnosed during the week. Seven individuals were hospitalized with RSV at Landspítali, including five aged 65 or older and one infant under one year.

Six COVID-19 cases were reported in week 3, with one individual hospitalized.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among other respiratory viruses, rhinovirus (common cold) was the most frequently detected in week 3. Diagnoses of other coronaviruses (excluding SARS-CoV-2) decreased compared to previous weeks.

The number of respiratory samples sent for viral testing declined between weeks, as did the proportion of positive samples, which stood at 39% in week 3.

Diagnoses of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (based on clinical evaluations) remained similar to previous weeks, with six cases in week 3. Two cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were identified, both in individuals aged 30–59 years.

Situation in Europe

• Influenza activity remains high in EU/EEA countries. Hospitalization rates are now comparable to the peak of the 2022–2023 winter epidemic, which significantly impacted healthcare systems in several countries. Individuals aged 65 and older are at the greatest risk of severe illness and hospitalization, emphasizing the importance of preventative measures, especially vaccination, for this age group.

• RSV activity appears to be declining overall in EU/EEA countries, though the situation varies by country. Children under five years old remain the most vulnerable to severe illness and hospitalization due to RSV.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates are low in most EU/EEA countries. As with influenza, individuals aged 65 and older are at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

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

Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective protection against severe illness caused by influenza. Vaccines are still available through suppliers. Parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years, individuals over 60, and others in high-risk and priority groups are encouraged to get vaccinated, as these groups face the highest risk of severe illness from influenza.

General Infection Prevention Reminders:

• Avoid contact with others showing symptoms of infection.

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

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Take special care around vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms of infection.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces whenever possible.

The Chief Epidemiologist