Influenza remains widespread, and high-risk and priority groups are still encouraged to get vaccinated. RSV infections continue to decline gradually, following a similar pattern to last winter. Two COVID-19 cases were reported last week. Diagnoses of other respiratory viruses were lower in Week 6 compared to Weeks 4 and 5.

As in previous weeks, the majority of tested samples originate from hospitals, with fewer from primary healthcare centers.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Influenza case numbers continue to fluctuate. A total of 45 individuals were diagnosed in Week 6, including 21 with influenza A(pdm09), 19 with A(H3), and five with influenza B. Cases occurred across all age groups, with a notable increase in diagnoses among children aged 0–4 years, compared to previous weeks. Among those diagnosed, 16 were aged 0–4 years, five were 5–14 years, 13 were 15–64 years, and 11 were 65 or older.

Ten individuals were in hospital with influenza at Landspitali during Week 6, including seven aged 65 or older and three aged 15–64. Additionally, 34 people visited emergency departments with influenza, staying for varying durations.

RSV infections continue to decline slowly. In Week 6, 20 individuals were diagnosed, including six infants under one year old, three children aged 1–2 years, three aged 3–14 years, two aged 15–64 years, and six aged 65 or older. Similar to influenza, there was an increase in diagnoses among children aged 0–2 years compared to the previous four weeks.

Ten individuals were in hospital with RSV at Landspitali in Week 6, including two infants under one year old, two children aged 1–4 years, two individuals aged 15–64 years, and four aged 65 or older.

Two COVID-19 cases were reported, both in individuals aged 65 or older. One person was in hospital with COVID-19.

Other Respiratory Infections

Fewer cases of respiratory viruses (excluding influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2) were diagnosed in Week 6 compared to Weeks 4 and 5. The majority of cases were rhinovirus (common cold) and non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses. The proportion of positive samples decreased between weeks, reaching approximately 40% in Week 6.

Mycoplasma bacterial infections (based on clinical evaluations) continue to fluctuate between weeks, with seven cases reported in Week 6.

No cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported.

Situation in Europe

• Respiratory infections remain widespread across EU/EEA countries.

• Influenza outbreaks are ongoing, with hospitalization rates similar to those observed at the peak of previous epidemics.

• RSV activity varies between countries. Some report a decline, while others continue to see an increase in positive samples. Hospital admissions remain most common among children under five years old and individuals aged 65 and older.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection rates remain very low in most EU/EEA countries.

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

Prevention

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness caused by influenza. Vaccines are still available through suppliers and primary healthcare centers. Parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years, individuals over 60, and others in high-risk and priority groups are strongly encouraged to accept vaccinations, 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.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces whenever possible.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

• Mask use in healthcare settings during the peak of the influenza epidemic can help reduce transmission to vulnerable individuals.

The Chief Epidemiologist