Respiratory infections – Week 8 2026

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The status in Iceland

On average, 13 cases of influenza were diagnosed over the past four weeks. In week 8, 15 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were diagnosed, and eight individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV.

The Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data for week 8 (February 16–22, 2026). The number of diagnoses is based on laboratory results, with most samples coming from hospitals and fewer from primary healthcare clinics.

Influenza

Influenza activity began earlier than in recent winters. The peak appears to have been reached in the first week of December 2025, but it remains unclear how long the outbreak will continue. See Figure 1 and the dashboard.

Figure 1: Number of influenza diagnoses in recent weeks (red line) compared with previous winters by week of the year (see the Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard).

In week 8, 14 cases of influenza were diagnosed, all of type A. Of these, four were influenza A(H3) and ten were influenza A(pdm09). The cases were identified in the following age groups: 11 individuals aged 65 years and older and three aged 15–64 years.

Five individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with influenza: four aged 65 years and older and one aged 15–64 years. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Number and age of individuals hospitalized with influenza at Landspítali from week 42 of 2025 to week 8 of 2026.

Two main types of influenza viruses infect humans: type A (which causes annual epidemics) and type B (which causes regular outbreaks, primarily in children). No cases of type B have been detected here in the past five weeks; however, cases may still be identified in the coming weeks.

Antiviral medication against influenza (Tamiflu) may be used for individuals at increased risk of severe illness. The medication is prescribed by a physician and should be administered early in the course of illness, even before laboratory confirmation is available.

Further information about influenza can be found on the Directorate of Health’s website.

RS Virus Infections

In week 8, 15 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were diagnosed: six in individuals aged 65 years and older, one in the 15–64 age group, one in the 5–14 age group, four in children aged 1–2 years, and three in infants under 1 year of age, see Figure 3.

Eight individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV infection: five aged 65 years and older, two children aged 1–2 years, and one infant under 1 year of age. Over the past four weeks, an average of 22 RSV cases per week has been diagnosed.

This winter, monoclonal antibody prophylaxis against RSV (nirsevimab) is offered to children born on or after 1 May 2025, as well as to children aged 6–23 months who would otherwise have been offered palivizumab by the Children’s Hospital (Barnaspítali Hringsins) during the RSV season, approximately through 31 March 2026.

More information on RSV infections and RSV vaccinations can be found on the website of the Directorate of Health.

Figure 3: Number of RSV diagnoses and age distribution of individuals with RSV per week from week 48 of 2025 to week 8 of 2026 (see also the Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard)

COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases has remained relatively stable this winter. In week 8, nine individuals were diagnosed: five aged 65 years and older, two aged 15–64 years, one aged 5–14 years, and one aged 0–4 years.

Over the past four weeks, an average of 10 COVID-19 cases per week has been diagnosed. One individual, aged 65 years and older, was hospitalized at Landspítali with COVID-19.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among other respiratory viruses not mentioned above, human metapneumovirus and non–SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses are currently the most frequently detected at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Landspítali. Over the past month, the weekly number of rhinovirus detections (common cold) has ranged from 10 to 30. In week 8, nine cases of rhinovirus, 13 cases of human metapneumovirus, and 24 cases of non–SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus were diagnosed.

Situation in Europe

• In most EU/EEA countries, the number of people seeking healthcare for respiratory symptoms remains high, indicating that respiratory infections are still widely circulating.

• Influenza activity remains widespread but has generally declined over the past few weeks. Overall, hospitalizations have decreased since the turn of the year, with individuals aged 65 years and older representing the largest proportion of admissions during this period. Influenza A(H3) continues to be the dominant subtype, followed by A(H1)pdm09. Influenza B activity has been low.

• RSV activity remains elevated, although it varies between countries. Children under five years of age make up the largest group of hospitalizations due to RSV.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) activity continues to be low across all age groups, and hospitalizations remain few compared with influenza and RSV.

Further information is available on the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The Chief Epidemiologist reminds people to:

• Influenza vaccinations are no longer available. .

• Accept the RSV monoclonal antibody for those infants where it is appropriate (see above).

• Stay at home while experiencing symptoms and until you are well on the way to recovery and fever-free for 24 hours.

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

• Minimize contact with others who show symptoms of infection.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces as much as possible.

• Consider wearing a face mask depending on the situation.

The Chief Epidemiologist