There is an increase in the positivity of respiratory viruses, according to the epidemiological report of the EODY for the period from December 30 to January 5.

Flu subscription – ILI (regardless of pathogen)

The number of influenza cases per 1,000 visits is on the rise, showing a significant increase compared to the previous week.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)

The number of SARI cases per 1,000 visits showed an increase compared to the previous week.

SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection

The positivity in all tested samples showed an increase compared to the previous week.

538 new imports were recorded. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 548.

The number of new intubations was eight. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was nine.

The number of intubated patients with COVID-19 infection is 26.

The number of deaths was 22. The average weekly number of deaths in the previous four weeks was 26.

The average weekly viral load in municipal wastewater is low in four of the six tested areas, moderate in one and high in one (with an observed increase compared to the previous week).

Influenza virus

Influenza positivity in the community (as assessed by the PHC Sentinel Surveillance Network) remains above the threshold indicating the onset of seasonal influenza activity (10%), unchanged from the previous week. The positivity of SARI surveillance network samples shows a significant increase compared to the previous week.

7 new serious cases with hospitalization in ICU and one new death from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded. In total, there have been 31 laboratory-confirmed cases of influenza with ICU hospitalizations and four deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza since the start of influenza surveillance.

The recorded deaths in serious cases with laboratory-confirmed influenza amount to 65.

Among 1,495 samples (Sentinel community origin, SARI surveillance, and hospitals outside surveillance networks), 116 (8%) positive samples for influenza viruses were found. 112 of them were standardized, with 106 belonging to type A and six to type B.

Of the 101 type A strains subtyped, 33 (33%) belonged to subtype A(H3) and 68 (67%) to subtype A(H1)pdm09.

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

Positivity both in the community (PHC Sentinel surveillance network) and in hospitals (SARI surveillance network) is at very low levels.

Both influenza and COVID-19 infection are associated with a significant number of deaths among severe cases, with COVID-19 infection predominating over influenza. It is recommended that people who meet the requirements for vaccination, especially those at higher risk of serious outcomes (the elderly and people with underlying diseases), get vaccinated for both diseases.