Flu Season in Lithuania Sees Record Deaths, Rising Hospitalizations
Lithuania is experiencing a severe respiratory virus season, marked by a record number of deaths attributed to influenza and increasing hospitalizations, according to recent data. As of Friday, February 6, 2026, health officials are closely monitoring the situation as cases of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections continue to circulate.
The 2024-2025 flu season, which concluded last week, resulted in 75 deaths, the highest number ever recorded in Lithuania. This surpasses the previous peak of 27 deaths during the 2023-2024 season. COVID-19 contributed to 59 deaths during the same period. The National Public Health Centre (NVSC) reported these figures on Monday, May 20, 2025.
Recent data from week 13 of this year, however, indicates continued pressure on the healthcare system. The NVSC reported 103 individuals hospitalized due to the flu, 22 due to COVID-19, and 9 patients receiving intensive care. Two additional deaths from the flu were registered, bringing the total flu-related deaths for this season to 67. These individuals were in the 50-59 and 70-79 age groups.
Health officials attribute the increase in recorded cases and deaths, in part, to improved diagnostic capabilities. The implementation of rapid flu and COVID-19 tests by healthcare facilities since last October has allowed for more accurate diagnoses, according to the NVSC.
The past season was described as “long and intense” due to the simultaneous circulation of all types of flu viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Despite the widespread circulation of these viruses, no municipalities or the country as a whole declared a flu or COVID-19 epidemic this year.
Concerningly, a recent report indicates that the youngest flu victim this season was a child born in 2012. Prior to this, the youngest flu fatality was an individual in the 30-39 age group. The last time a child died from the flu was during the 2022-2023 flu season, when a child aged 0-9 succumbed to the illness.
Data from the most recent week shows that four individuals who died from the flu were in the 80-89 age group, with one each in the 50-59, 60-69, and over 90 age groups. Two additional deaths were in the 70-79 age range. A significant proportion – eight out of these ten – were not vaccinated against the flu.
One additional death was attributed to a coronavirus infection last week. The individual was in the 80-89 age group, had underlying health conditions, and was not vaccinated.
Beyond fatalities, overall illness rates are also rising. The NVSC reports that cases of flu, acute upper respiratory tract infections, and COVID-19 increased last week, with a combined incidence rate of 1409 cases per 100,000 population. While Panevėžys County experienced the lowest rates, Šiauliai County recorded the highest.
Currently, 17 municipalities have exceeded the threshold of 1,500 cases per 100,000 population, reaching epidemic levels of infection.
Looking at broader trends, data reported on January 30, 2026, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that emergency department visits for influenza among children aged 5-17 are increasing. Hospitalization trends are generally declining, but are increasing among infants under one year old and remain stable in children aged 5-17. Emergency department visits for RSV are also elevated among infants less than one year old and children.
The CDC data does not specify regional breakdowns, but highlights the vulnerability of young children to respiratory viruses.
