The Health Department publishes its weekly retrospective concerning the evolution of the main acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Flu (Influenza): increase in the number of cases
The number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased, from 1,377 to 1,626 cases, an increase of 18% compared to the previous week.
During the last week, there was 74% influenza A and 26% influenza B among the typed results. The latest available data reveal that among influenza A virus samples, the subtypes identified are A(H1)pdm9 (43.2%) and A(H3) (56.8%).
How to protect yourself more against seasonal flu?
In addition to vaccination, it is essential to adopt barrier gestures to limit the spread of the virus:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 30 seconds, scrubbing palms, fingers, backs of hands and under nails thoroughly.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, use the crook of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash immediately and then wash your hands.
- Avoid physical contact such as hugs, kisses and handshakes.
- Avoid crowds and gatherings during the epidemic season.
- Stay home if you are sick to avoid contaminating those around you.
- Ventilate the rooms regularly, at least 3 to 4 times a day for 10 minutes.
By following these simple actions, you help protect your health and that of others.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): decrease in the number of cases
For RSV, a decrease of 13% was observed, with 204 confirmed cases, compared to 235 the previous week.
-COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2: decreasing number of cases
During week 3, from January 13 to 19, 2025, the number of positive SARS-CoV-2 cases decreases from 94 to 72 cases, a decrease of 23% compared to the previous week.
However, the viral concentration detected in wastewater showed an increase[1].
The latest available sequencing data reveals that two JN.1 subvariants, the XEC variant (46.5%) and the KP.3 variant (40.2%), predominated in November.[2]
[1] https://www.microbs.lu/dashboards/respiratory-diseases/sars-cov-2
[2] https://lns.lu/publications/
Communicated by the Ministry of Health and Social Security
