Credit: MSSS

On Thursday 20 February 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).

During week 7, from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 February 2025, the number of influenza (flu) cases reported by laboratories decreased from 2,049 to 1,617 cases, down 1% compared to the previous week. Infections are still very common among children and adolescents. There were 40% influenza A and 60% influenza B among the typed results.

The Health Ministry confirmed that, as a result of the number of infected cases decreasing over the course of the past two weeks, the peak of the epidemic is now over.

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, a decrease of 23% was observed for RSV with 169 confirmed cases, compared to 219 the previous week. RSV infections mainly affect young children and
people over 80 of age.

The health authorities also reported a decrease in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 / SARS-CoV-2 during week 7, from 58 to 55 cases, a drop of 5% compared to the previous week. The viral concentration detected in wastewater also showed a decrease.

HOM