National Health DirectorateFlu cases decline as Luxembourg passes peak of influenza epidemic

In its latest report published on Thursday, the National Health Directorate announced that 2,034 cases of influenza were recorded between 3 and 9 February 2025, marking a 19% decrease compared to the previous week. Children and adolescents remain the most affected demographic.

The decline suggests that Luxembourg has passed the peak of the influenza epidemic, particularly for influenza A, though officials caution that this trend will need to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

During the reporting period, 46% of influenza cases were identified as influenza A, while 54% were influenza B. Among the influenza A virus samples analysed, the subtypes A(H1)pdm09 accounted for 44.8% of cases, and A(H3) made up 55.2%.

Decline in RSV and Covid-19 cases

The report also noted a 14% drop in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, with 217 confirmed infections compared to 252 the previous week. The main groups affected are young children and individuals over the age of 80.

Similarly, the number of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) cases fell by 24%, with 58 positive cases reported compared to 76 the week before.

How to protect against seasonal flu

In addition to vaccination, the National Health Directorate recommends the following measures to limit the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 30 seconds, ensuring thorough cleaning of palms, fingers, backs of hands, and under fingernails.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or use the crook of your elbow if a tissue is unavailable.
• Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands afterward.
• Avoid physical contact such as hugs, kisses, and handshakes.
• Stay away from crowded places during the epidemic season.
• Remain at home if feeling unwell to prevent spreading illness to others.
• Ventilate indoor spaces regularly, at least three to four times a day for ten minutes.