Respiratory Infections – Week 46, 2024

RSV cases continue to rise, with 15 cases reported in week 46, the majority of whom were two years old or younger. Five people were hospitalized at Landspitali, the National University Hospital with RS virus infection, including four children aged two years or younger.

Influenza diagnoses decreased from the previous week, with three people diagnosed in week 46, two with influenza A(H3) and one with influenza A(pdm09). The diagnoses were spread across two different age groups. No one was hospitalized at Landspitali Hospital with influenza.

In week 46, eight people were diagnosed with COVID-19. The majority of them were in the 65 years and older age group, and six were hospitalized at Landspitali Hospital that week.

Almost half of those diagnosed with a respiratory virus infection other than COVID-19, influenza, or RS virus, were diagnosed with rhinovirus (common cold). The number of respiratory samples tested has remained stable in recent weeks, with the proportion of positive samples gradually increasing through the fall, reaching over 34% in week 46.

Situation in Europe

The incidence of respiratory infections is similar to previous winters at this time of year. There is still generally low activity of influenza and RS virus infections in EU/EEA countries, although increases are beginning to be observed in some places. COVID-19 remains relatively low in comparison to the number of diagnoses over the summer. For more details, see the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Prevention

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness from respiratory infections. Autumn vaccinations for COVID-19 and influenza are underway, and individuals over 60 years old, as well as other high-risk groups, are encouraged to get vaccinated, as they are at greatest risk for severe illness. Vaccination coverage for people aged 60 and older in Iceland for influenza is currently over 40%, which is significantly below the target.

General preventive measures are also advised; see more information on the website of the Directorate of Health.

The Chief Epidemiologist