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The status in Iceland

On average, 15 cases of influenza were diagnosed over the past four weeks. In week 12, the number of confirmed cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection was 15, and five individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV.

The Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data for week 12 (March 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

The 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 is still 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 12, 20 cases of influenza were diagnosed: one case of type B and 19 cases of type A, including 17 of the A(pdm09) subtype and two of A(H3). The individuals diagnosed belonged to the following age groups: 12 individuals were 65 years and older, and eight were aged 15–64.

Two main types of influenza that can infect humans are type A (which causes annual epidemics) and type B (which causes regular outbreaks, mainly in children). Four cases of type B have been detected here so far this winter, including one in the previous week and one in week 12.

Six individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with influenza, all aged 65 years and older, see Figure 2.

Figure 2: Number and age of individuals hospitalized with influenza at Landspítali from week 42 of 2025 to week 12 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

In week 12, 15 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were diagnosed: two individuals were 65 years and older, five were aged 15–64, one child was 5–14 years old, four children were 1–2 years old, and three children were under 1 year of age, see Figure 3.

Five individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV: three were 65 years and older, one was aged 15–64, and one was a child under 1 year of age. On average, 18 RSV cases 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 12 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 vaccinations remains good, and they will continue through March. The vaccination period is expected to end around the next month’s turn, although this will depend to some extent on the epidemiology of RSV and the availability of antibodies.

COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases has remained relatively stable this winter. In week 12, four individuals were diagnosed: one aged 65 years and older and three aged 0–4 years. Over the past four weeks, an average of five COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed per week. One individual was hospitalized at Landspítali with COVID-19, in the 1–2-year age group.

Other Respiratory Infections

Of other respiratory viruses besides those mentioned above, human metapneumovirus and coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2 are currently the most commonly detected at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Virology at Landspítali. In week 12, 15 cases of human metapneumovirus and 18 cases of coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2 were diagnosed.

Situation in Europe

• In most EU/EEA countries, the number of people seeking primary healthcare for symptoms of respiratory illness has been decreasing, indicating that the spread of respiratory infections has generally declined in recent weeks.

• The spread of influenza is decreasing across all age groups. Hospital admissions have also declined, although individuals aged 65 years and older have been the largest group admitted during this period. The subtypes A(H3) and A(H1)pdm09 are predominant.

• The spread of RSV and the number of hospital admissions remain high, and children under five years of age continue to be the largest group admitted.

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

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