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The Directorate of Health

Respiratory Infections – Week 1, 2025

9th January 2025

The Directorate of Health’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data through Week 1 of 2025 (December 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025).

Photo. Respiratory infection dashboard

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Fewer cases of influenza were detected in Week 1 of 2025 compared to the last week of 2024. A total of 35 cases were reported, including 17 of subtype A(pdm09), 15 of subtype A(H3), and three of subtype B. Cases occurred across all age groups, with nine individuals aged 65 and older and five under five years of age.

Eleven individuals were in hospital with influenza in Week 1, fewer than the previous week. Of those hospitalized, five were aged 65 and older. Additionally, 23 individuals visited emergency departments with influenza.

When comparing data from summer through the end of 2024 (Weeks 27 to 52) with previous years, significantly fewer cases of influenza were reported in 2024 compared to the same period in 2022 and 2023, which saw unusually high numbers of cases. In contrast, influenza activity during 2016–2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic years) suggests that the current season started earlier, with more cases reported before the New Year. However, fewer tests were conducted before the pandemic, which could explain the difference in case numbers. In those pre-COVID-19 years, most influenza cases occurred after the New Year, so it remains to be seen whether this season will be more extensive or simply started earlier. Data from the unusual influenza seasons during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) is available on the dashboard but is not included in this comparison.

Image. Respiratory infections, week 1 2025

RSV cases have been declining for the past three weeks. In Week 1, 48 cases were detected, half of which were in children under one year of age. Hospitalizations for RSV also decreased, with 11 patients admitted, including eight aged 65 and older and two children under one year.

Six individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Week 1. None were in hospital.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among other respiratory viruses, rhinoviruses (common cold) and non-SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses were most frequently detected.

The number of respiratory samples submitted for virus testing slightly decreased between weeks, with 295 samples analyzed in Week 1. The proportion of positive results also decreased to just under 49%.

The weekly number of clinical diagnoses of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (based on clinical evaluations regardless of lab results) fluctuated, with five cases reported in Week 1. No cases of whooping cough (pertussis) were reported.

Situation in Europe

  • Cases of RSV and influenza continue to rise in EU/EEA countries, with influenza epidemics widespread across the region, consistent with seasonal expectations.

  • Individuals aged 65 and older remain at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization from annual influenza, though hospitalizations occur across all age groups.

  • The majority of hospitalizations for RSV are in children aged two years or younger (19% under six months), but 13% involve individuals aged 65 and older.

  • The prevalence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infections remains generally lower than during the summer. However, individuals aged 65 and older are still at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.

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

Prevention

Influenza and RSV are expected to continue circulating in the coming weeks. Vaccination is the most effective protection against severe illness from respiratory infections. Vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza remain available, and individuals aged 60 and older, as well as others in risk groups, are encouraged to get vaccinated, as they are most at risk of severe illness from both COVID-19 and influenza.

Participation in vaccination campaigns has been lower than expected; as of this winter, 45% of individuals aged 60 and older have been vaccinated against influenza.

General Infection Control Measures

  • Avoid contact with others if you have symptoms of infection.

  • Stay home while symptomatic and until you are significantly improved and fever-free for 24 hours.

  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

  • Take extra precautions around vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms.

  • Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

  • Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces whenever possible.

The Chief Epidemiologist