Influenza remains widespread, and high-risk and priority groups are still encouraged to get vaccinated. RSV-infections continue to decline gradually, following a similar pattern to last winter. No cases of COVID-19 were reported last week. The number of diagnoses for other respiratory viruses remained stable in Week 5 compared to Week 4.

As in previous weeks, the majority of tested samples originated from hospitals, with fewer from primary healthcare centers.

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19

Influenza case numbers continue to fluctuate. A total of 56 individuals were diagnosed in Week 5, including 25 with influenza A(pdm09), 21 with A(H3), and 10 with influenza B. Cases occurred across all age groups, with 15 individuals aged 65 or older and eight under five years old.

Eight individuals were in hospital with influenza at Landspitali in Week 5, including five aged 65 or older and two children aged 3–4 years. Additionally, 35 individuals sought care at emergency departments with influenza.

RSV case numbers remained similar to those in Weeks 3 and 4, with 25 diagnoses. Of these, 12 were in individuals aged 65 or older, six were aged 15–64, one was aged 5–14, and six were two years old or younger. Ten individuals were in hospital with RSV at Landspitali, including five aged 65 or older and two children aged 1–4 years.

No cases of COVID-19 were reported in Week 5.

Other Respiratory Infections

The total number of detected respiratory viruses, excluding influenza, RSV, and COVID-19, remained stable in Week 5 compared to Week 4. The most common was rhinovirus (common cold). The proportion of positive samples was also similar to the previous week, at 50%.

Diagnoses of Mycoplasma bacterial infections (based on clinical evaluations) have decreased recently, with seven cases reported in Week 5.

No cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were identified.

Prevention

Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness caused by influenza. Vaccines are still available through suppliers and primary healthcare centers. Parents of children aged 6 months to 4 years, individuals over 60, and others in high-risk and priority groups are strongly encouraged to acceppt vaccinations, as these groups face the highest risk of severe illness from influenza.

General Infection Prevention Reminders:

• Avoid contact with others showing symptoms of infection.

• Stay home while symptomatic until fully recovered and fever-free for 24 hours.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Take special care around vulnerable individuals if you have symptoms of infection.

• Consider wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.

• Clean shared surfaces and ventilate shared spaces whenever possible.

The Chief Epidemiologist