There continues to be an increase in flu positivity in the community which remains high, in contrast to COVID-19 which is low, according to the EODC epidemiological report for the week of February 17-23.

Specifically, the report states:

Flu Virus

Community influenza positivity (as estimated by the Sentinel PHC surveillance network) remains above the threshold that marks the seasonal period of influenza activity, showing an increase from the previous week. Positivity of SARI surveillance network samples showed a decrease compared to the previous week.

During the week of 17-23 February, six new severe cases with ICU hospitalization and four new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza were recorded. In addition, two severe cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza with ICU hospitalization were retrospectively reported for previous weeks.

In total, since the beginning of influenza surveillance through February 23, 141 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases with ICU hospitalization and 43 deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza have been recorded. Among 2,682 specimens (originating from sentinel community, SARI surveillance and hospitals outside surveillance networks), 482 (17%) positive specimens for influenza viruses were detected. Of these, 471 were typed, with 365 (77.5%) belonging to type A and 106 (22.5%) to type B.

SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection

Positivity in all tested samples is at very low levels, with no significant change from the previous week. 126 new admissions were recorded. The average weekly number of new admissions over the previous four weeks was 244.

One new intubation was recorded. The average weekly number of new intubations over the previous four weeks was six. The number of patients with COVID-19 infection hospitalized with intubation was eight.

Seven new deaths were recorded. The average weekly number of deaths over the previous four weeks was 16.

From the beginning of 2024 through February 23, 2025, the recorded deaths in serious incidents (intubated and/or ICU hospitalized) totaled 379.

KP.3 and XEC sub-variant variants of BA.2.86 are the predominant strains in the detections.

Irritis – ILI (pathogen-independent)

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

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)

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

Of the 345 type A strains subtyping, 206 (60%) were of subtype A(H1)pdm09 and 139 (40%) were of subtype A(H3).

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

Positivity showed a decrease in both community (Sentinel PHC surveillance network) and SARI surveillance network, remaining at low levels.