Influenza AH3N2 subtype viruses continue to circulate in Armenia.

The Heratsi National Scientific Research Center for Healthcare Programs of Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) has summed the activity of acute respiratory infections in Armenia and Europe—the statistics for the third week of this year.

According to a summary analysis of cases of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) hospitalized in YSMU Heratsi No. 1 and Muratsan hospitals as well as the Mikaelyan Institute of Surgery in Yerevan, during the third week of 2026, the number of new cases of severe ARIs was 46, which decreased by 25.8% compared to the previous week. Cases with ARI comprised 5.4% of total hospitalizations, down from 9.7% in the previous week. It should be noted that 59% of total cases (27 cases) were in children under 5 years of age, and 41% (19 cases) were in children 5-14 years of age. In total, one patient with ARI (under 5 years of age) was admitted to the intensive care unit.

During the indicated period, the number of new ARI cases tested for influenza was 11.

But no deaths have been recorded so far among hospitalized patients with ARIs.

According to official statements, influenza viruses of the AH3N2 subtype also continue to circulate in Armenia.

At the regional level, a certain decrease in influenza activity was observed from January 5 to 11, still due to holidays. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the largest proportion of hospitalizations for influenza continues to be in people aged 65 and over. Influenza A(H3) virus continues to be the predominant (78%) circulating strain in the region, although the A(H1) virus (22%) is also being detected.

At the regional level, the number of positive influenza tests still exceeds the 10% epidemic threshold at 33%, compared to 39% the previous week. The average positive test rate for 31 countries was 32%, with 29 countries reporting at least 10%.

The regional level of SARS-CoV-2 infection activity remains low at 2%.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation has not changed compared to the previous week, with the RSV positive rate at 7%. Children under 5 years of age still account for the majority of these cases.