24. Nov 2021
Last week saw two new influenza cases being added to the list. Since the beginning of the season, a total of four influenza A cases have been confirmed following laboratory tests.
According to Eliisa Metsoja, specialist at the Health Board’s Influenza Centre, it is too soon to talk of a spread of the influenza virus. ‘Only a few influenza virus-related cases are being registered at this point. Four influenza A cases have been identified since the beginning of the season,’ she said. Detailed analyses of three of the samples have revealed that the individuals were infected with the H3N2 subtype of influenza virus A.
Last week, a total of 5,012 people sought medical attention with symptoms of acute respiratory viral infection. Of that figure, children formed almost 40%. The highest numbers of patients to have sought medical attention were registered in Rapla County, Pärnu County, Tartu County, Lääne County, and Viljandi County.
‘According to the European Influenza Surveillance Network, activity levels of the influenza virus within the European Union remain low for now,’ said Metsoja, adding that none of the EU countries had so far observed any steady spread of the influenza virus, but single influenza-related cases have been registered almost everywhere. Influenza viruses A and B have both been identified. ‘It is too early to say which influenza viruses will come to dominate this season as the number of confirmed cases is not high enough to make any predictions possible,’ explained the specialist.
The Health Board would like to remind everyone that the influenza virus can be avoided through vaccination. Now is the best time to get vaccinated as the influenza viruses are not yet in circulation. Anyone from the age of six months upwards who does not have any contraindications can get themselves vaccinated against influenza. From this October, individuals who are at least sixty-five years of age can be vaccinated for free by visiting their family physician.