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The status in Iceland

On average, 13 cases of influenza were diagnosed over the past four weeks. In week 10, the number of diagnosed cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was 13, and six individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV.

The Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data for week 10 (March 2–8, 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 appears to have been reached in the first week of December 2025, but how long the outbreak 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 10, seven cases of influenza were diagnosed, all of type A: one case of A(H3) and six of A(pdm09). The individuals diagnosed belonged to the following age groups: four individuals aged 65 and older, two aged 15–64, and one child under 5 years of age. Two individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with influenza, both aged 65 and older. See Figure 2.

Figure 2: Number and age of individuals hospitalized with influenza at Landspítali from week 42 of 2025 to week 10 of 2026.

Two main types of influenza viruses can infect humans: type A (which causes annual epidemics) and type B (which causes regular outbreaks, mainly in children). No cases of type B have been detected here in the past five weeks, but it cannot be ruled out that cases may be detected 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 10, 13 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were diagnosed: four individuals aged 65 and older, three aged 15–64, one aged 5–14, one child aged 3–4, two children aged 1–2, and two children under 1 year of age, see Figure 3.

Six individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV: four aged 65 and older and two children aged 1–2. On average, 18 cases of RSV have been diagnosed per week over the past four weeks.

Figure 3: Number of RSV diagnoses and age distribution of individuals with RSV per week from week 48 of 2025 to week 10 of 2026 (see also the Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard)

This winter, children born on May 1, 2025, or later are being offered antibodies against RSV (nirsevimab), in addition to children aged 6–23 months who would otherwise have been offered palivizumab by the Children’s Hospital (Barnaspítali Hringsins).

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

Participation in RSV immunization remains good, and the program will continue through March. The planned end of the immunization period is at the turn of the next month, although this will partly depend on the epidemiology of RSV and the availability of the antibody.

COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases has remained relatively stable this winter. In week 10, five individuals were diagnosed: two aged 65 and older, one aged 15–64, and two aged 0–4. Over the past four weeks, an average of six COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed per week. Two individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with COVID-19: one aged 65 and older and one aged 15–64.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among other respiratory viruses besides those mentioned above, the viruses most frequently detected at present at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Virology at Landspítali are rhinovirus (the common cold), human metapneumovirus, and coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2. Over the past month, the weekly number of rhinovirus detections has ranged between 10 and 30. In week 10, 12 cases of rhinovirus were detected, 18 cases of human metapneumovirus, and 21 cases of coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2.

Situation in Europe

• In more than half of the EU/EEA countries, the number of people seeking primary healthcare with symptoms of respiratory illness has been decreasing, suggesting that the spread of respiratory infections has declined.

• Influenza activity remains widespread but has generally been decreasing in recent weeks. Hospital admissions have also declined; however, individuals aged 65 and older have accounted for the largest proportion of admissions during this period. Influenza A(H3) remains the predominant subtype, followed by A(H1)pdm09.

• RSV activity remains high but has begun to decrease slowly. Hospital admissions appear to have peaked, although not among children under five years of age, who continue to represent the largest group of hospitalized patients.

• COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) activity remains low across all age groups, and the number of hospital admissions is low 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