Flu positivity in the community is declining, but remains high, according to the EODC’s epidemiological report for January 12-18.

Positivity for COVID-19 is also showing a decline, as is the number of cases of influenza-associated illness. In contrast, positivity for RSV is increasing, but moving at low levels.

The EHRC report on respiratory infections:

Illness – ILI (regardless of pathogen)

The number of cases of flu-like illness per 1,000 visits showed a further decrease compared to the previous week.

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection – SARI (regardless of pathogen)

The number of SARI cases per 1,000 admissions decreased compared to the previous week.

SARS-CoV2 virus – COVID-19 infection

Positivity resulting from all SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing in the country showed a decrease compared to the previous week.

In the last week 138 new COVID-19 admissions were recorded, showing a decrease from the previous week (N=189). One new intubation and six new deaths were recorded.

Flu virus

Positivity for fluin the community (as estimated by the Sentinel PHC surveillance network) showed a further decline in the last week, but remained high. Also, in secondary health care (as estimated by the SARI surveillance network) a decrease was recorded compared to the previous week.

New influenza admissions showed a decrease last week (613 new admissions compared to 871 the previous week). There were 23 new severe cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza with ICU hospitalization and seven new deaths from laboratory-confirmed influenza. In addition, 13 severe cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza with ICU hospitalization were retrospectively reported.

In total, 81 cases of laboratory-confirmed influenza with ICU hospitalization and 23 deaths with laboratory-confirmed influenza have been recorded since the start of influenza surveillance. Among 2,758 specimens (from community sentinel, SARI surveillance, and hospitals outside surveillance networks), 485 positive specimens for influenza viruses were detected, 484 type A and one type B. Vaccination remains the best prevention measure.

The HSE makes a strong recommendation to high-risk groups to vaccinate against influenza without delay, seek medical attention promptly upon the onset of influenza-compatible symptoms for anti-viral treatment, and wear a mask in crowded indoor environments. In addition, the population is recommended to implement protective measures, including respiratory hygiene, frequent hand washing, and good ventilation of the premises.

Over the past week, the weighted influenza A viral load in urban wastewater in the controlled areas has been at high levels.

Respiratory syncytial virus – RSV

Positivity in the community (Sentinel PHC surveillance network) showed an increase compared to the previous week; however moving to low levels. In hospitals of the SARI surveillance network, positivity showed a further decrease compared to the previous week.