-Automatic translation

Diagnoses of influenza have increased recently, although numbers remain relatively low. The number of COVID-19 diagnoses has fluctuated somewhat in recent weeks, but there are now signs of an increase, although case numbers remain low. No new cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection have been detected in recent weeks.

Among other respiratory viruses, rhinovirus (the common cold virus) and enterovirus are currently the most frequently detected, with diagnoses of both increasing.

These figures are based on samples submitted for laboratory testing. As before, most samples originate from hospitals. The number of patients hospitalized at Landspítali University Hospital with respiratory viral infections has increased steadily since the summer.

Individuals in high-risk groups should keep an eye out for announcements regarding the start of the annual influenza vaccination campaign.

The Chief Epidemiologist's dashboard on respiratory infections has been updated with data up to the end of week 41 of 2026 (5–11 October).

^{Figure 1: Number of respiratory virus diagnoses and the number of individuals admitted to Landspítali with respiratory viruses. See the Dashboard.}

Influenza

Diagnoses of influenza continue to increase, although numbers remain relatively low. In the last week (week 41), 19 cases of influenza were diagnosed. Just under half of those diagnosed (eight individuals) were aged 65 years or older. Eight were aged 15–64 years, and three were under 5 years of age. The majority (16 individuals) were diagnosed with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, while three had influenza A(H3). Seven individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali University Hospital with influenza, slightly more than in previous weeks. Of those hospitalized, six were aged 65 years or older and one was aged 15–64 years.

The intranasal influenza vaccine has arrived in Iceland, and vaccinations for children aged two years and older have begun. The conventional influenza vaccine for younger children and adults is delayed due to production delays affecting all of Europe. However, vaccinations are expected to begin in the coming weeks at primary healthcare centres and other locations where vaccinations for priority groups are administered.

RSV infection

No cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection were detected in week 41. Only one case has been detected since the beginning of July. The case involved an infant under one year of age and was reported in week 33 (10–16 August).

COVID-19

In week 41, 11 individuals were diagnosed with COVID-19, slightly more than in the preceding weeks. Just over half (six individuals) were aged 65 years or older, while five were aged 15–64 years. Six individuals were hospitalized at Landspítali University Hospital with COVID-19, three aged 65 years or older and three aged 15–64 years.

Other respiratory infections

Diagnoses of other respiratory viruses continue to increase. Rhinovirus remains one of the most commonly detected respiratory viruses, with 40 individuals diagnosed with rhinovirus in week 41. Diagnoses of enterovirus have also increased since the summer, with 14 individuals diagnosed with enterovirus in week 41.

The situation in Europe

Few cases of influenza are being detected in EU/EEA countries. However, diagnoses are most common among older adults (aged 65 years and older), and influenza A is the predominant type.

Few cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are currently being detected.

The test positivity rate for COVID-19 has increased in healthcare settings, with diagnoses occurring primarily among people aged 65 years and older. For further information, see the website of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

The Chief Epidemiologist reminds people to:

• Individuals in risk groups should watch for when seasonal influenza vaccinations begin.

• Stay at home while you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and until you are on the way to recovery and have been fever-free for 24 hours.

• If you have symptoms of an infection, take particular care around vulnerable individuals.

• Minimize contact with others who have symptoms of an infection.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces as much as possible.

• Consider wearing a face mask depending on the circumstances.

The Chief Epidemiologist