A total of 140 influenza and 1445 COVID-19 cases reported this week
In week 16 a total of 2785 people fell ill with acute respiratory infections, of whom 37.5% were children. The overall incidence of acute respiratory viral diseases decreased by 13%.
The number of influenza cases decreased by 31% compared to the previous week. 60% of all reported cases of influenza were among children aged 15 and below. Based on information logged during the targeted survey, infections of acute respiratory viral diseases are currently spreading at a low rate, with the spread of the influenza and SARS-CoV-2 viruses remaining extensive.
The morbidity rate of influenza is currently moderate and decreasing, although cases are still being reported throughout Estonia, indicating a slower spread of the virus. According to the Health and Welfare Information Systems Centre (TEHIK), a total of 13 patients were hospitalised due to influenza (26 in the previous week). There has been a decrease in the number of individuals who have been hospitalised for influenza. In total, 1260 people have been hospitalised due to influenza since the beginning of the season. Out of the total, 68.4% constitute individuals who are 50 years old and above, while children 0–4 years old make up 16.2% of the group.
According to conclusively validated data from the Causes of Death Registry of the Health and Welfare Information Systems Centre, a total of 61 people 9–97 years old have died due to influenza.
A total of 1445 cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over the week. There was a 16% decline in the total number of registered cases as compared to the previous week. As of week 16, there has been a decline in the number of cases in almost all age groups, except for individuals aged 25–29 and 70–79. In these age groups morbidity increased by 16% and 10%, respectively.
During week 16, the number of individuals who were hospitalised due to coronavirus infection was 143 (compared to 112 last week). Out of all the hospitalisations, 56 patients, which is equivalent to 39%, were admitted because of symptomatic COVID-19. As of 24 April 2023 the number of COVID-19 patients in hospital decreased to 144 (155 in the previous week). Out of these, 5 patients were in intensive care, with 1 patient requiring controlled breathing. 15 individuals, with an average age of 84.8 years died, out of which only 5 had COVID-19 as the primary reason for hospitalisation. All of them had various comorbidities or underlying medical conditions.
As the Health Board has identified many relatively mild and asymptomatic forms of COVID-19, the virus is likely to spread silently, in waves and without significant fluctuations in cases.
The Health Board would like to remind everyone that in the case of a positive COVID-19 test, it is important to contact your family physician or the family physician helpline at 1220. If you are experiencing signs of illness, please avoid going to the emergency department or visiting your family physician without first seeking advice and instructions over the phone. The recommended isolation ends when at least 5 days have passed since the onset of symptoms characteristic of COVID-19, there has been no fever (without the use of antipyretics) for the last 24 hours and other symptoms have improved.