The influenza epidemic in Latvia is coming to an end: SPKC data and further prevention instructions – BNN

The monitoring data of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) of influenza and acute upper respiratory infections (AURI) show that in the last two weeks, the number of patients who sought medical help and were clinically diagnosed with influenza did not exceed 100 cases per month in any of the territories involved in the monitoring. 100,000 inhabitants, therefore SPKC announces the end of the flu epidemic on April 25, 2024.

Influenza virus activity is below the seasonal level (baseline intensity) and was observed in 6 out of 10 monitoring areas (wide spread of flu), but compared to the previous week, the intensity and spread of flu is decreasing, SPKC notes.

However, the circulation of flu viruses continues and last week a total of 20 flu cases were registered in six administrative territories (Ventspils, Rēzekne and Jēkabpils, Jūrmala, Daugavpils and Riga). Since the beginning of the season, a total of 3,442 clinically confirmed cases of influenza have been reported by general practitioner practices in Latvia.

According to SPKC, the intensity of the flu epidemic this season can be assessed as average. In the 2nd week of 2024, the average intensity of the flu increased significantly and exceeded the baseline level – the beginning of the flu epidemic was announced on January 12, 2024. In this season, the highest number of influenza cases is observed in the age group from 0 to 14 years.

Since the beginning of the season, a total of 5,4370 laboratory tests for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been conducted in Latvia, of which 8,236 were positive. 7,210 Covid-19 patients were hospitalized.

Although the flu epidemic has ended and the spread of flu viruses is decreasing, SPKC reminds that flu and other respiratory viruses continue to circulate.

SPKC epidemiologists call on to continue to remember respiratory infection prevention measures. Wash your hands frequently (every time you come in from outside, before eating, before touching your face), regularly ventilate the premises (both at home, in educational institutions and workplaces) and carry out wet cleaning of the premises, eat healthy foods that will help strengthen immunity, and also extend stay in the fresh air – going for walks and doing physical activities outside the premises.

On the other hand, the National Health Service reminds that with the end of the flu epidemic, state-paid home visits by family doctors to patients with flu are no longer valid. This condition does not apply to patients who are always provided with state-paid family doctor visits – children under the age of 18, group I and II disabled persons and other patient groups: https://www.vmnvd.gov.lv/lv/gimenes-arsta- house visits

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