According to the National Public Health Centre (NVSC), Lithuania saw a total of seven deaths attributed to influenza last week, with the deceased primarily falling in age groups that are considered vulnerable, such as 40-49, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, and over 90. The majority of these individuals had underlying chronic diseases, with all but one being unvaccinated against the flu. In addition, two deaths were reported due to COVID-19, both involving individuals in the 60-79 age brackets, further emphasizing the higher risk posed by chronic conditions and lack of vaccination in these demographics.

During that same week, 144 people were hospitalized due to flu-related complications and 27 for COVID-19, including 12 individuals requiring intensive care treatment. The NVSC also reported a decrease in the overall incidence rates of influenza, acute upper respiratory infections (AURIs), and COVID-19, now at 739.8 cases per 100,000 residents. This decline coincided with the school holidays in Lithuania, a trend observed annually as the number of infections typically drops when children are out of school.

The report highlighted that Panevėžys County continues to have the lowest incidence of these illnesses, while Vilnius County has the highest. This geographical disparity in illness rates prompts ongoing monitoring and public health considerations to encourage vaccination and preventive measures, especially among high-risk populations as the respiratory illness season continues in Lithuania.