Respiratory infections – Weeks 15 and 16 2026

- Automatic translation

The status in Iceland

On average, 16 cases of influenza were diagnosed over the past four weeks.
In week 15, the number of confirmed cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was ten, and in week 16 the number of confirmed cases was four. RSV vaccinations have now been discontinued for this season.

The Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data for weeks 15 and 16 (April 6–19, 2026). The number of diagnoses is based on laboratory results, with most samples coming from hospitals and fewer from primary healthcare clinics.

Influenza

Influenza arrived earlier than in recent winters. The peak was reached in the first week of December 2025, but how long the epidemic will continue remains unclear. 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 15, 26 cases of influenza were diagnosed, all type A and of the subtype A(pdm09). The individuals diagnosed were in the following age groups: 20 individuals aged 65 and older, four aged 15–64, and two children under 5 years.

In week 16, eight cases of influenza were diagnosed: one of type B and seven of type A, subtype A(pdm09). The individuals diagnosed included six aged 65 and older and two aged 15–64.

In week 15, five individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with influenza—three aged 65 and older and two aged 15–64. In week 16, three individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with influenza—two aged 65 and older and one aged 15–64. See Figure 2.

The two main strains of influenza that can infect humans are type A (which causes annual epidemics) and type B (which causes regular outbreaks, mainly in children). Only four cases of type B have been detected here during this influenza season.

Figure 2: Number and age of individuals hospitalized with influenza at Landspítali from week 42 of 2025 to week 16 of 2026.

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

On average, nine cases of RSV have been diagnosed per week over the past four weeks. In week 15, ten cases of RSV were diagnosed: five individuals aged 65 and older, four aged 15–64, and one child aged 1–2 years.

In week 16, four cases of RSV were diagnosed: three individuals aged 65 and older and one aged 15–64. See Figure 3.

Seven individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV in week 15—three aged 65 and older and four aged 15–64. One individual, aged 15–64, was hospitalized in week 16.

Figure 3: Number of RSV diagnoses and age distribution of individuals with RSV per week from week 48 of 2025 to week 16 of 2026 (see also the Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard)

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

COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases has remained fairly stable this winter. In week 15, nine individuals were diagnosed: one aged 65 and older, six aged 15–64, and two aged 0–4. In week 16, three individuals were diagnosed: one aged 65 and older and two aged 0–4. Over the past four weeks, an average of six COVID-19 cases were diagnosed per week.

One individual, aged 65 and older, was hospitalized at Landspítali with COVID-19 in week 15. In week 16, no individuals were hospitalized with COVID-19.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among other respiratory viruses than those mentioned above, the most commonly detected at present at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Virology at Landspítali are rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, and coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2.

In week 15, 19 cases of rhinovirus were diagnosed, four of human metapneumovirus, and 12 of coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2. In week 16, 17 cases of rhinovirus were diagnosed, seven of human metapneumovirus, and nine of coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2.

Situation in Europe

• In most EU/EEA countries, the number of people seeking primary healthcare for symptoms of respiratory illness has recently been at a minimum, indicating low circulation of respiratory infections.

• Influenza activity is low in most countries, with limited spread and few hospital admissions across all age groups.

• RSV circulation and the number of hospital admissions remain high, although the peak has been reached in most countries. Hospital admissions among children under 5 years have decreased in recent weeks.

• The spread of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) remains low across all age groups in all countries.

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

The Chief Epidemiologist reminds people to:

• 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 next Respiratory Infections update will be published in two weeks.

The Chief Epidemiologist