Andorra Flu Cases Drop Below Epidemic Threshold

Influenza incidence in Andorra has fallen below the epidemic threshold for the first time this season, reaching 13.78 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in week 6 of the 2025-2026 campaign, nearly half the 25.3 cases recorded the previous week.

The Health Ministry's respiratory virus surveillance report for the period shows acute respiratory infections (ARI) at 125.73 cases per 100,000, a modest drop from 130.4 in the prior week of 26 January to 1 February. Children aged 0-4 remain the hardest hit by ARI overall, while influenza now primarily affects those over 74.

Virological testing revealed 8.33% of samples positive, down from 11% the week before. Rhinoviruses or enteroviruses topped the results at 33.3%, followed by influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at 22.2% each, with adenoviruses and metapneumovirus each at 11.1%.

This decline confirms the downward trend since the peak in week 51 of 2025. ARI rates, which saw a brief rise recently, have now stabilised with a slight easing.

In Europe, respiratory virus activity remains elevated across most reporting countries. Flu circulation is widespread, with peaks reached in some areas and still rising in others, often linked to children aged 5-14 and dominated by the A(H3N2) subtype. RSV cases and hospitalisations are high and increasing, chiefly among under-fives, with this season's wave delayed by several weeks compared to the previous two years. SARS-CoV-2 positivity stays low across age groups, posing minimal hospital strain relative to flu and RSV.