17. Dec 2020
The first laboratory-confirmed influenza B case of the season was registered in Estonia last week.
In the period between 7 to 13 December, a total of 3,871 people sought medical aid due to upper respiratory tract infections, of whom almost one third were children.
The highest number of cases were registered in Tallinn, in Tartu County, and in Ida-Viru County, while there have been no cases in Hiiu County. In the week before this, 4,355 people sought medical aid due to upper respiratory tract infections. Rhinovirus remains prevalent in Estonia, which is characterised by sneezing, a head cold, and in some cases throat pain, occasionally with a cough and fever in children.
According to the European Influenza Surveillance Network, the intensity of the spread of influenza remains low in the European Union, with just a few cases registered.
Symptoms of a viral infection
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 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.