The influenza season began in October

The middle of October saw the beginning of the new influenza season. Two new influenza A cases were identified in week 40.

Week 40 saw a total of 3,906 people fall ill with acute respiratory infections, of whom 30% were children. The average number of cases out of every 100,000 people was 288.7. There were no significant differences between the Estonian counties in terms of the number of new infection cases.

Based on information which had been logged during a targeted survey of acute upper respiratory tract infections (with this survey being known as ‘Sentinel Monitoring’), the intensity of the spread of diseases is low. The majority of cases involved children who were under the age of five.

For the moment at least, the new cases are mainly being caused by rhinoviruses. The percentage of such cases amongst other viruses has increased to 31.8%. The symptoms of rhinoviruses include sneezing, a runny nose, and also a sore throat. A cough and a fever may also be added in the case of children who catch it. The course of the virus is mild, with a low-grade fever usually being experienced and with no other significant symptoms. Parainfluenza viruses formed 22.7% of the total number of cases last week, while SARS-CoV-2 viruses formed 18.2%. No extensive spread of influenza viruses has yet been observed amongst the general population, with just a few cases having been registered. Laboratory analyses confirmed two influenza A cases in week 40.

In general, the influenza season in Estonia runs from October to May. Even though people can get themselves immunised against influenza throughout this entire period, the most reliable form of protection is guaranteed through vaccination before the virus reaches the high point of its scope (between October and December). Vaccination is required especially in the case of the elderly, or in anyone who has chronic health conditions, or anyone who comes into contact with at-risk individuals. Vaccination against influenza is available free of charge from the last week of October for anyone who is normally in receipt of general and special care services, plus anyone who is over the age of sixty, pregnant women, children up to the age of seven, and all minors who are included in any risk groups. Members of the public can get themselves vaccinated at their family physician’s surgery or at a pharmacy. Vaccination at pharmacies is available through the Health Board’s contractual partners. Further information about getting a vaccination via a pharmacy can be found at the following address: www.vaktsineeriapteegis.ee/gripp.

Vaccination is contraindicated in the event of hypersensitivity to egg protein or other vaccine ingredients, or during an acute illness which generates a fever.