As before, the vast majority of samples for testing come from hospitals, and fewer from primary healthcare centers.

Influenza

In week 43, 14 cases of influenza were detected. Five of them were 65 years and older, and four were children aged 4 years and younger. Most cases were identified as influenza type A(H3).

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

The annual influenza vaccination campaign has begun at health centers. Appointments can be booked through “My Pages” on Heilsuvera or by calling your local health center.

The Chief Epidemiologist recommends that the following groups be given priority for influenza vaccination and strongly encourages them to accept vaccination:

• All individuals aged 60 years and older.

• Children under 5 years of age who are at least 6 months old at the time of vaccination.

• All children and adults with chronic heart, lung, kidney, or liver diseases, diabetes, obesity, malignant diseases, or other immunosuppressive conditions.

• Pregnant women.

• Healthcare workers who care for individuals in the above-mentioned risk groups.

• People at occupational risk due to possible co-infection with seasonal influenza and avian influenza.

RSV Infections

No cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were detected in week 43.

Monoclonal antibodies against RSV (nirsevimab) for the youngest children have been distributed to healthcare institutions. This winter, the antibody will be offered to children born on or after May 1, 2025, as well as to children aged 6–23 months who would otherwise have been invited by the Children’s Hospital (Barnaspítali Hringsins) to receive monthly palivizumab injections during the RSV season.

Children born this winter, approximately up to March 31, 2026, will be able to receive the RSV antibody shortly after birth.

Further information about RSV infections and vaccination is available on the Directorate of Health’s website.

COVID-19

The number of COVID-19 cases has remained fairly stable this autumn. In week 43, ten individuals were diagnosed, most of them in the age group 65 years and older.

Other Respiratory Viruses

Rhinovirus (common cold) continues to be the most frequently detected respiratory virus at the Landspítali Department of Microbiology and Virology. Over the past month, the weekly number of rhinovirus detections has ranged from 25 to 40, and in week 43, 23 cases were identified.

Hospitalizations at Landspítali

In week 43, three individuals aged 65 years and older were hospitalized at Landspítali with COVID-19. Five individuals were hospitalized with influenza, all of them 65 years and older.

Situation in Europe

• In EU/EEA countries, COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) remains widespread, but currently decreasing, and number of hospital admissions remains low.

• RSV and influenza detections are at minimal levels.

• The number of people seeking primary care for respiratory symptoms remains low, but is increasing in most countries - as expected at this time of year. The greatest increase is among children under 15 years of age.

Further information can be found on the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) website.

The Chief Epidemiologist reminds people to:

• Accept the influenza vaccination if you belong to a priority or risk group.

• Accept the RSV monoclonal antibody for those infants where it is appropriate.

• 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