Respiratory Infections – New Dashboard by the Chief Epidemiologist

The dashboard is based on all diagnoses of notifiable respiratory viral infections from the National University Hospital's Department of Microbiology and Virology, as well as COVID-19 data from Akureyri Hospital.

The dashboard also shows the number of individuals hospitalized at the National University Hospital with a respiratory infection each week, with data provided by the hospital's Infection Control Department.

The goal of the dashboard is to improve access to data on respiratory infections during the winter season, focusing on the most common and severe infections. The dashboard is expected to be updated every 1-2 weeks throughout the season.

Week 43 (October 21–27, 2024)

The dashboard now includes data through week 43. A similar number of COVID-19 cases were recorded in week 43 as in previous weeks. Influenza cases are on the rise, which is expected for this time of year. Few RSV cases are currently being reported. Almost half of those diagnosed with respiratory viruses, other than SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), influenza, or RSV, had rhinovirus. Other coronaviruses (excluding SARS-CoV-2) also showed an increase compared to previous weeks.

Situation in Europe

Influenza and RSV cases remain low in EU/EEA countries. However, based on data from previous flu seasons, influenza and RSV cases are likely to increase in the coming weeks. COVID-19 cases remain lower than those seen during the summer.

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

Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective protection against severe respiratory viral infections. Autumn vaccination campaigns have started in many countries, and older individuals and other high-risk groups are encouraged to get vaccinated.

The Chief Epidemiologist