Flu cases continue to escalate in Latvia
In the recent weeks, Latvia has reported an uptick in both influenza and COVID-19 cases, particularly among the elderly population. Seven deaths have been reported in patients with confirmed influenza infection, all of whom were over 50 years of age and had multiple co-morbidities and risk factors.
Last week, the number of influenza B viruses detected increased from the previous week, with a total of 133 influenza A viruses and 25 influenza B viruses detected. The proportion of laboratory-positive influenza samples increased to 30% last week from 25.4% the week before, indicating a consistent high activity over the past two weeks. Influenza cases were recorded in all 10 monitoring areas last week, with the highest intensity still recorded in Jēkabpils vicinity.
The number of COVID-19 positive tests has also increased from the previous week, with 33 tests for Covid-19 being positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus (an increase from 25 the week before). However, the number of hospitalized Covid-19 patients has remained consistent with the previous week, with 11 patients being hospitalized with the primary diagnosis of Covid-19, and 42 patients with Covid-19 infection being treated in hospitals last week.
Despite the increase in cases, COVID-19 test positivity is currently low yet rising over recent weeks in some regions such as Illinois, USA. However, it's important to note that COVID-19 has been associated with higher severity and mortality than influenza according to recent clinical data, with notably higher risks of death, mechanical ventilation, longer hospital stays, and ICU care.
Current specific data for influenza and COVID-19 case trends, hospitalizations, and fatalities among different age groups in Latvia as of August 2025 are not available in the indexed search results. Regional data from the European Respiratory Virus Surveillance Summary (ERVISS) indicate ongoing monitoring of influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 in the EU/EEA region, which includes Latvia. This dashboard provides integrated weekly epidemiological summaries but does not detail Latvia-specific age group breakdowns in the provided excerpts.
In summary, while no detailed Latvia-specific case trend or age-wise severity data for influenza and COVID-19 from August 2025 were found in the current search results, it is crucial to stay vigilant and follow public health guidelines to protect oneself and others from these viruses. Consulting Latvia’s national public health institute or the latest ERVISS dashboard for detailed age-disaggregated data would be necessary for definitive figures.
- Maintaining a balanced diet, practicing mental health self-care, regular exercise, and seeking knowledge about chronic diseases and medical conditions could help strengthen the immune system during the current surge in both influenza and COVID-19 cases in Latvia.
- Given the potential link between Covid-19 and higher severity and mortality as compared to influenza, actively incorporating fitness and exercise, nutrition, and CBD (often used for stress relief and managing pain) into one's health-and-wellness routines may offer an added layer of protection.
- The increase in influenza B viruses detected and the consistent high activity of influenza cases, particularly among the elderly population with multiple co-morbidities, highlight the essential role science plays in understanding and mitigating medical-conditions and their interplay with viruses like influenza and COVID-19.
- In light of the ongoing monitoring of influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2 in the EU/EEA region, and the lack of detailed age-wise data for Latvia, it's crucial to adhere to existing health recommendations and prioritize improved access to relevant science and research on these diseases to ensure effective public health strategies.
