Respiratory infections surge as flu nears epidemic threshold

Respiratory viruses, and especially influenza, are on the rise, with flu cases doubling in a week and approaching the epidemic threshold.

According to data from the Department of Health for the week of 17–23 November, acute respiratory infections reached an incidence of 189.19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, up from 109.28 the previous week. Authorities describe this as a “change in trend” and say the slight increase in reported cases could indicate the start of the peak season. Infants under one year remain the most affected age group for these infections.

Influenza incidence rose from 8.03 to 16.07 cases per 100,000, bringing it closer to the epidemic threshold of 20.47. The age group most affected by flu is children aged one to four years.

The positivity rate among tested samples was 12.5%. Of the positive samples, 38.46% were rhinovirus or enterovirus, 30.77% were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza A and adenovirus together accounted for 15.58%.

Authorities note that the arrival of colder weather coincides with the uptick in infections. While current figures do not yet warrant alarm, the trend suggests the beginning of the high season for respiratory illnesses.