03. Dec 2020
In the period between 23-29 November, a total of 4,188 people sought medical aid due to upper respiratory tract infections, of whom one third were children.
According to Eliisa Metsoja, senior specialist at the Health Board’s Influenza Centre, a total of 178 samples were analysed for influenza A and B within week 48. ‘No influenza cases have yet been confirmed in Estonia,’ said Metsoja.
Currently, the most common virus in Estonia is rhinovirus, which is characterised by sneezing and a head cold, as well as throat pain in some cases. Children may also experience a cough and fever. The highest number of rhinovirus cases were registered in Tallinn and in Tartu County.
Cases in the European region
According to the European Influenza Surveillance Network, the intensity of the spread of influenza remains low in all countries in the European region. None of the 663 influenza samples which were analysed through the sentinel screening system in the period between 16-22 November were positive, while twelve of the 14,143 samples which were collected outside of the sentinel screening system were positive for influenza A and B. No individuals with positive influenza test results were hospitalised within this period.
The symptoms of viral upper respiratory tract diseases usually include a head cold, cough, sore throat, and fever. Many of these cases are mild, involving a low-grade fever and no significant symptoms. The various viruses are difficult to identify based on their clinical symptoms alone. A specific virus can only be identified by means of analysis which is carried out by a virological laboratory. The symptoms are usually limited to the upper respiratory tract in the form of a head cold, cough, or a low-grade fever. Just like influenza, however, parainfluenza, RSV, and adenovirus infections may also result in pneumonia. Symptoms may range from an upper respiratory tract inflammation to pneumonia, especially in children. There is no specific treatment. If necessary, supporting treatment is used which alleviates the symptoms, such as in terms of lowering the fever, using analgesics, drinking plenty of fluids, and administering medicinal products which facilitate breathing.
Rhinoviruses are characterised by sneezing, a head cold, and sometimes throat pain. Children may also experience a cough and a fever. Rhinoviruses are responsible for approximately 30-40% of what are usually called ‘colds’ in adults.