Credit: MSAN
On Thursday 16 January 2025, the Health Directorate of Luxembourg's Ministry of Health and Social Security published its weekly retrospective concerning the evolution of the main acute respiratory infections including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
From Monday 6 to Sunday 12 January 2025, the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased from 746 to 1342 cases, an increase of 80% compared
to the previous week. There were 77% influenza A and 23% influenza B among the typed results.
In addition to vaccination, the health authorities reported it is essential to adopt barrier gestures to limit the spread of the flu virus:
- wash one's hands regularly with soap and water for 30 seconds, carefully rubbing one's palms, fingers, backs of hands and under nails;
- cover one's mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 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 sick, to avoid contaminating those around;
- ventilate rooms regularly, at least three to four times a day for ten minutes.
The authorities said following these simple steps can help protect one's health and that of others.
Moreover, an increase of 36% was reported for RSV with 232 confirmed cases, compared to 171 the previous week.
The health authorities also reported an increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 During week 2, from 6 to 12 January 2025, the number of positive SARS-CoV-2 cases increased, from 65 to 94 cases, an increase of 45% compared to the previous week. However, the viral concentration detected in wastewater has shown a decrease.
