According to the epidemiological report from the National Public Health Organization (NPHO) for the period January 5-11, flu positivity rates remain at high levels in the community, with hospital admissions and ICU hospitalizations showing an upward trend.
NPHO: Flu report findings
Influenza virus
Community flu positivity (as estimated by the Sentinel Primary Health Care surveillance network) showed a further slight decrease during the week of January 5-11, while remaining at high levels. In secondary healthcare (as estimated by the SARI surveillance network), an increase was recorded compared to the previous week.
New flu admissions show an upward trend. Last week saw a further increase (871 new admissions versus 722 in week 01/2026). There were 15 new severe cases of laboratory-confirmed flu requiring ICU hospitalization and eight new deaths from laboratory-confirmed flu.
Overall, since the start of flu surveillance, 45 cases of laboratory-confirmed flu requiring ICU hospitalization and 15 deaths from laboratory-confirmed flu have been recorded. Among 2,547 samples (from Sentinel community sources, SARI surveillance and hospitals outside surveillance networks), 407 positive samples for flu viruses were found, 406 type A and one type B.
Of the 264 type A strains that were subtyped, 181 belonged to subtype A(H3) and 83 belonged to subtype A(H1)pdm09.
The NPHO emphasizes that vaccination remains the best preventive measure. The NPHO strongly recommends that high-risk groups get vaccinated against flu without delay, seek medical care promptly when symptoms compatible with flu appear for antiviral treatment, and wear masks in crowded indoor spaces. Additionally, the population is advised to apply protective measures including respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing and good ventilation of spaces.
Influenza-like illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)
The number of influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 visits in week 02/2026 showed a slight decrease compared to the previous week.
Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)
The number of SARI cases per 1,000 admissions decreased in week 02/2026 compared to the previous week.
SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection
The positivity rate from all SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests nationwide showed a slight decrease compared to the previous week.
Last week, 189 new COVID-19 admissions were recorded, showing an increase compared to the previous week (N=147).
One new intubation and six new deaths were recorded.
Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV
Community positivity (Sentinel Primary Health Care surveillance network) remains at low levels, while showing a decrease compared to the previous week. In SARI surveillance network hospitals, positivity showed an upward trend earlier compared to last year’s surveillance period, without reaching last year’s maximum positivity.
