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On Thursday 30 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 20 to Sunday 26 January 2025, the number of influenza cases reported by laboratories increased from 1,643 to 2,436, an increase of 48% compared
to the previous week. There were 67% influenza A and 33% influenza B among the typed results. According to the latest available data, the subtypes identified among the influenza A virus samples were A(H1)pdm9 (48.5%) and A(H3) (51.5%). The Health Directorate recalled that infections are "very common" this year among children and adolescents, in Luxembourg but also in neighbouring countries.
In addition to vaccination, the health authorities continued to enforce the message of adopting barrier gestures to limit the spread of the seasonal flu:
- wash hands regularly with soap and water for 30 seconds, carefully rubbing the palms, fingers, backs of hands and under the nails;
- cover one's mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If a tissue is not available, use the crook of the 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 advised following these simple steps above to help protect one's health and that of others.
Regarding RSV, the number of reported cases increased by 23%, with 252 confirmed cases, compared to 205 the previous week. Infections mainly affected very young children and older people (aged 80+).
The health authorities also noted an increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2, from 72 to 77. This represents an increase of 7% compared to the previous week. However, the viral concentration detected in wastewater has shown a decrease. The latest available sequencing data revealed that two subvariants of JN.1, the XEC variant (46.5%) and the KP.3 variant (40.2%), predominated in November 2024.