Newsroom
The number of people who have died after being hospitalised with confirmed influenza this season has risen to 13, health officials reported on Tuesday, following the death of a 54-year-old man at a private clinic. The latest fatality marks a departure from the prevailing trend, as most deaths this winter have involved patients aged over 80 with serious underlying health conditions.
According to the Ministry of Health, six of the deaths were recorded in just the past few days, five over the weekend and one on Monday, pushing this year’s toll above that of the same period last winter. All cases involved patients admitted for influenza, although final certification of the cause of death is pending completion of the official reporting process.
Health authorities noted that the overwhelming majority of fatalities occurred among very elderly patients with multiple chronic illnesses who were treated in hospitals participating in the national surveillance network since December.
Despite the recent increase in deaths, officials expressed cautious optimism about the overall course of the outbreak. Epidemiological monitoring suggests the flu wave has reached its peak and that case numbers are now beginning to decline. A similar downward trend is being observed in hospital admissions, raising hopes that pressure on healthcare facilities will ease in the coming weeks.
While both public and private hospitals continue to experience strain, particularly due to respiratory infections and increased diagnostic demand, the situation remains manageable, the Ministry said. Stocks of antiviral medications and diagnostic tests are adequate, following advance planning and stock assessments carried out ahead of the winter season.
Vaccination uptake against influenza has been strong this year. Of the 160,000 vaccine doses secured, more than 145,000 have already been administered. In contrast, vaccination against COVID-19 remains very limited, a trend officials attribute to lingering public hesitancy following the pandemic years.
Health experts stressed that it is not too late to receive a flu shot, noting that the influenza season is not yet over. Typically, two waves occur each year: a stronger surge after the holiday period and a second, usually milder, increase from mid-February to early March.
This year’s flu vaccine is estimated to be more than 55% effective against circulating strains. Although effectiveness is slightly lower than average due to the dominance of a particular influenza sub-strain, it continues to provide meaningful protection, especially against severe illness.
Authorities have ruled out the need for additional restrictive measures in hospitals or care homes at this stage. However, guidance has already been issued to healthcare facilities, and daily monitoring is underway to ensure early detection of potential outbreaks.
Officials once again urged older adults and other vulnerable groups who remain unvaccinated to contact their personal doctors without delay. The public is also advised to continue basic protective measures, including wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and ensuring adequate ventilation indoors.
