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Few patients are hospitalized at Landspítali with or due to influenza. However, in week 4 there was an increase in diagnosed cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.

The Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data for week 4 (January 19–25, 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 season started earlier than in recent winters. It appears to have reached its peak, 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 4, nine cases of influenza were diagnosed, all of them type A: eight of subtype A(H3) and one of subtype A(pdm09). The individuals diagnosed were in the following age groups: six were aged 65 years and older, two were 15–64 years old, and one was a child under one year of age.

The two main types of influenza viruses that can infect humans are type A (which causes annual outbreaks) and type B (which causes regular outbreaks, mainly in children). No cases of type B have been detected so far, but this cannot be ruled out.

Antiviral medication against influenza (Tamiflu) is available for individuals at increased risk of severe disease. The medication is prescribed by a physician and must be administered early in the course of illness, even before laboratory test results are available.

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

RS Virus Infections

In week 4, 19 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were diagnosed: four individuals aged 65 years and older, one aged 15–64 years, one child aged 3–4 years, 11 children aged 1–2 years, and two children under one year of age. On average, seven cases per week were diagnosed over the past four weeks. Nine individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with RSV, three aged 65 years and older and six children aged 1–2 years.

This winter, children born on May 1, 2025, or later are being offered antibodies against RSV (nirsevimab), as well as children aged 6–23 months who would otherwise have been offered palivizumab by the Children’s Hospital of Iceland during the RSV season, approximately through March 31, 2026.

More detailed information on the RSV epidemic this season and previous seasons is available on the Chief Epidemiologist’s dashboard.

COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases has remained fairly stable this winter, but in week 4, 20 individuals were diagnosed: eight aged 65 years and older, nine aged 15–64 years, and three under 5 years of age. Over the past four weeks, an average of six cases per week were diagnosed. Two individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with COVID-19, both in the 65 years and older age group.

Vaccinations

Among those for whom annual influenza vaccination is recommended are individuals over 60 years of age and children under 5 years of age. Coverage among older individuals was about 54% this winter, and coverage among younger children about 23% (Figure 2). All vaccine doses ordered for the country this winter have been distributed or used.

Figure 2: Influenza vaccination coverage by age group for the 2025–2026 season.

Hospitalizations at Landspítali

Hospitalizations due to influenza have decreased significantly between weeks. In week 4, six individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali with influenza, all aged 65 years and older. See Figure 3.

Figure 3: Number and age of patients hospitalized with influenza at Landspítali from week 42 of 2025 to week 4 of 2026.

Other Respiratory Infections

Among respiratory viruses other than those mentioned above, rhinovirus (the common cold) is most frequently detected at the Department of Microbiology and Virology at Landspítali. Over the past month, the weekly number of rhinovirus diagnoses has ranged between 10 and 30, and in week 4, 20 cases were detected.

In recent weeks, diagnoses of human metapneumovirus have increased; in week 4, 18 cases were identified.

Situation in Europe

• In EU/EEA countries, there is an increased number of patients seeking primary healthcare for respiratory symptoms in most countries. This indicates substantial circulation of respiratory infections at present.

• Influenza circulation remains widespread, and in many countries it appears that the peak has been reached. Influenza A(H3N2) remains the most common subtype, but A(H1N1)pdm09 is also being detected. The number of hospitalizations is decreasing but remains high, especially among individuals aged 65 years and older.

• RSV diagnoses are increasing, and circulation is rising. Hospitalizations due to RSV are increasing in most countries, particularly among children under five years of age.

• The incidence of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infections is decreasing across all age groups; circulation is low, and hospitalizations are few.

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

The Chief Epidemiologist reminds people to:

• All influenza vaccines have been distributed.

• 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