In total, 335 new influenza cases and 954 COVID-19 cases were added this week

In week eight, a grand total of 2,498 people fell ill with acute respiratory infections. Overall, 40% of all of the new cases involved children. In total, 335 new influenza cases were registered. A total of 954 new COVID-19 cases were also added.

Based on information which had been logged during the Sentinel targeted survey, infections are currently spreading at a moderate rate, with the spread of the influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses remaining extensive. In total, 69% of those samples which were analysed were found to be positive for influenza-type viruses. Influenza A, influenza B, and SARS-CoV-2 each form 6.3% of all Sentinel samples which have been analysed, while the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) forms 18.8%, and RSV and rhinoviruses both form 12.5%.

The number of new influenza cases to be added remains at a stable level. In total, 184 influenza cases were confirmed through laboratory testing, of which sixty were influenza A cases and 124 were influenza B. There are three sub-types currently in circulation in Estonia: the A(H1N1) influenza A sub-type, the Victoria influenza B sub-type, and the H3N2 influenza A subtype.

According to initial information from the Health and Welfare Information Systems Centre, sixteen patients in week eight were hospitalised with influenza. According to specified information from the centre, thirty-six people were hospitalised. The need for hospitalisation grew amongst children and working-aged people. As many as sixteen people have died this season due to influenza. Those individuals were also aged between 13-91. One of those individuals had previously been healthy, but all of the others were included in risk groups.

The number of new COVID-19 cases is showing a declining trend, with the percentage of positive test results dropping to 7.7% of all samples analysed. The spread of the virus remained stable amongst young children and the elderly, but dropped amongst youngsters and adults. Based on the results of wastewater monitoring, the SARS-CoV-2 concentration in wastewater has remained at a level which is similar to figures for previous weeks. The SARS-CoV-2 concentration was found to be at the orange risk level in Viimsi-Muuga, Narva, and Kuressaare. Those samples which were collected from all other monitored settlements remained at the yellow risk level.

Based on sequencing data, fully all of those cases were caused by the Omicron strain of COVID-19. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant and the successors of this variant form 37.7% of all sequenced samples. The variants which have evolved from the BA.2.75 line and the XBB recombinants of BA.2 and its successors form 22.6% and 39.6% respectively of the total.

The decline in new influenza and COVID-19 cases was very likely caused by the festive season and the beginning of the school holidays. As there exist many mild and asymptomatic forms of COVID-19, the virus has probably continued to spread unnoticed.

On the basis of an extraordinary decision which has been made by the Health Insurance Board, as of 6 February everyone is eligible to receive a free anti-influenza vaccination until the vaccine stocks run out. Vaccination is something which should seriously be considered by any individuals who are included in risk groups, along with those individuals who come into contact with them.

The expert committee on immunoprophylaxis advises everyone over the age of eighty to get the third booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine. A vaccine which has been adjusted to the BA.4-5 Omicron subvariant should be the preferred choice. Any individuals over the age of eighteen who are included in a COVID-19 risk group have also been advised to get themselves revaccinated with the same vaccine if this is deemed necessary by their physician.