In Latvia, recent monitoring data for the flu and other respiratory infections indicates that flu viruses are still actively circulating. According to data from the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory at the Riga Eastern Clinical University Hospital, during the 8th week, the flu was laboratory-confirmed in 15.2% of the samples tested, all of which were Type A flu viruses. Among the circulating Type A flu viruses, A/H3 remains dominant, although the prevalence of A/H1pdm viruses has been increasing in recent weeks.

In a monitoring program involving 43 family doctor practices, a total of 174 flu cases were recorded in the 8th week, averaging 250.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which is a decrease from the 291.9 cases reported in the 7th week. Flu cases were detected in all ten monitoring areas, with the highest incidence rates noted in Jelgava and Rēzekne, where the figures exceeded 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. These statistics highlight a concern for public health, especially as the flu remains more prevalent among children under 14 years of age.

As the flu season continues, health authorities are likely to stress the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to help control the spread of the virus. Given the higher incidence in children, schools and childcare facilities may implement additional health initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations and reduce transmission rates, aiming to mitigate the impact of the current flu wave on the healthcare system in Latvia.