The Health Directorate of Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security has published details of respiratory infections recorded across the Grand Duchy for the period from 30 December to 5 January 2025 (week 1).

The weekly retrospective examines the evolution of the main acute respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Influenza: increase in the number of cases

The number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased from 561 to 746 cases, an increase of 33% compared to the previous week.

During the reporting week, there was a split of 83% influenza A and 17% influenza B among the recorded results. Among the influenza A virus samples, the subtypes identified are A(H1) pdm9 (40%) and A(H3) (60%).

The Ministry has issued a reminder that it is still possible to get vaccinated to protect oneself effectively and limit the spread of the virus. Vaccination remains the most reliable way to prevent seasonal flu and reduce the risk of associated complications.

How to protect yourself further against seasonal flu?

In addition to vaccination, it is essential to adopt barrier gestures to limit the spread of the virus:

- Wash one's hands regularly with soap and water for 30 seconds, carefully rubbing the palms, fingers, backs of one's hands and under one's nails.

- Cover one's mouth and nose with a tissue when one coughs or sneezes. If one does not have a tissue, use the crook of one's elbow.

- Immediately throw used tissues in the bin and then wash one's hands.

- Avoid physical contact such as hugs, kisses and handshakes.

- Avoid crowds and gatherings during the epidemic season.

- Stay home if one is sick to avoid contaminating those around.

Ventilate rooms regularly, at least three to four times a day for ten minutes.

By following these simple steps, one helps protect one's health and that of others.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): decrease in the number of cases

For RSV, a decrease of 13% was observed, with 168 confirmed cases, compared to 192 the previous week.

COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2: increase in the number of cases

During the reported week, the number of positive cases for SARS-CoV-2 increases, from 55 to 65 cases, up 18% compared to the previous week.

The latest available sequencing data reveal that two subvariants of JN.1, the XEC variant (46.5%) and the KP.3 variant (40.2%), predominated in November.