Influenza cases have declined over the past two weeks. Diagnoses of RSV continue to decrease, following a similar pattern to last winter. One individual tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Diagnoses of other respiratory viruses have also declined over the past two weeks. There has been a significant reduction in the number of individuals hospitalized with respiratory viruses, particularly RSV infections.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Influenza diagnoses have declined over the past two weeks. A total of 32 individuals were diagnosed in Week 7, including 14 with influenza A(pdm09), 12 with influenza A(H3), and six with influenza B. Cases were detected in all age groups: one individual was under five years old, four were in the 5–14 age group, 15 were 15–64 years old, and 12 were 65 years or older.

Eight individuals were in the hospital with influenza at Landspítali in Week 7. Of these, half were aged 65 years or older, three were 15–64 years old, and one was between 1–2 years old. Additionally, 17 individuals visited emergency departments with influenza, a decrease compared to previous weeks.

RSV infections continue to decline, with 14 cases diagnosed in Week 7. Of these, half were 65 years or older, four were 15–64 years old, one was 1–2 years old, and two were under one year old.

Two individuals were in hospital with RSV in Week 7, including one child aged 1–2 years and one person aged 65 years or older.

One individual tested positive for COVID-19, belonging to the 65+ age group. No hospitalizations due to COVID-19 were reported.

Other Respiratory Infections

The number of diagnosed respiratory viruses, excluding influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2, has decreased over the past two weeks. Rhinovirus (common cold) and non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses remain the most commonly detected. The proportion of positive test samples remained similar to the previous week, at around 40%.

The number of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (clinician-diagnosed regardless of laboratory results) has remained stable, with four cases detected in Week 7. One child aged 3–4 years was diagnosed with Pertussis (whooping cough).

Situation in Europe

• Respiratory infections remain widespread in EU/EEA countries.

• Influenza remains prevalent, and hospitalization rates are comparable to peak periods of previous influenza outbreaks. Influenza cases appear to be increasing in about one-third of EU/EEA countries, while the epidemic has peaked or is declining elsewhere. Hospitalization rates are highest among individuals aged 65 and older.

• RSV infection trends vary by country, but overall, cases are decreasing. Hospitalizations due to RSV are most frequent among children under five years old.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) incidence remains very low in most EU/EEA countries.

For more details, visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

Prevention Measures

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe influenza illness. Influenza vaccines are still available at healthcare centers and from suppliers. Parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years, individuals over 60, and those in priority and high-risk groups are encouraged to receive vaccination, as they are most vulnerable to severe influenza.

General Infection Prevention Reminders:

• Avoid close contact with individuals displaying symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while symptomatic and until symptoms have improved and fever-free for 24 hours.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Take special precautions around vulnerable individuals if experiencing symptoms.

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ensure proper ventilation in shared spaces.

• Consider wearing a face mask in crowded places.

• Wearing a mask in healthcare settings during the peak of the influenza epidemic may help reduce transmission to vulnerable individuals.

The Chief Epidemiologist