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Influenza's Lethal Grip on Estonia's Elderly Tightens
Estonia's influenza death toll has climbed to 34 this season, with nearly all victims over the age of 60, even as overall respiratory virus cases showed a slight decrease to 3,089 in the third week of the year.
- —In the third week of the year, 3,089 people in Estonia sought medical attention for upper respiratory tract viral infections, a slight decrease from the previous week.
- —During the same period, 1,570 influenza cases and 418 COVID-19 cases were registered, with respiratory virus incidence remaining stable overall.
- —Influenza activity is widespread and assessed as high, with 34 flu-related deaths recorded this season, predominantly among individuals aged 60 and older.
- —COVID-19 incidence is low, but the virus is spreading across all age groups, with a notable increase among young children and schoolchildren.
- —RS virus cases are on an upward trend but remain at a low level, with a significant portion of infections occurring in children under two years old.
Recap
The latest data from Estonia reveals a stratified public health crisis where headline stability in infection rates masks severe, age-specific threats. The high-intensity influenza wave is disproportionately lethal to the elderly, while the rising RS virus poses a growing risk to infants. This demonstrates that managing the viral season requires targeted strategies for distinct vulnerable populations, not a monolithic response based on overall case numbers.