A quieter flu season? Czech respiratory cases fall sharply from last year

Czechia is experiencing a quieter October for respiratory illness than last year, with reported cases down approximately 44 percent and common-cold viruses dominating laboratory findings.

Doctors reported 697 cases of acute respiratory infection per 100,000 residents in the week beginning Oct. 12, compared with 1,255 during the equivalent week in 2025. Cases also fell from 789 per 100,000 the previous week.

The lower figures come as additional flu vaccines reach doctors’ offices following supply difficulties affecting some younger patients. Health authorities say October and November are the preferred vaccination period before flu activity typically increases in winter.

The figures cover a broad category of acute respiratory infections, including influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and other viruses responsible for colds.

The National Institute of Public Health’s surveillance reports describe illness levels as usual for this time of year, without significant differences between regions.

Rhinoviruses, commonly associated with colds, accounted for nearly 48 percent of laboratory detections. Parainfluenza represented approximately 17 percent, followed by COVID-19 at 14 percent and adenoviruses at 4.6 percent.

These percentages describe viruses identified through surveillance testing, rather than the proportion of all Czech residents infected.

Only a handful of influenza A detections were reported. Nevertheless, approximately 1,000 people are currently hospitalized with various respiratory illnesses, according to Health Ministry data.

The quieter October does not establish how severe the coming winter will be. The ministry says the main flu season usually begins in December or January.

Since the beginning of September, approximately 329,000 people have received a flu vaccination and 115,000 have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Some doctors and vaccination centers recently reported that they lacked flu vaccines for patients younger than 65. Vaccines intended for older patients remained available.

The Health Ministry announced the arrival of 300,000 Vaxigrip doses on Oct. 14, with distribution to health care providers scheduled to begin this week. The delivery arrived earlier than originally expected.

Prague’s Thomayer University Hospital said Thursday that its vaccination center already had doses available. The center accepts patients without an appointment.

According to the ministry, protection develops gradually and reaches its full effect approximately two weeks after vaccination.

Vaccination does not prevent every influenza infection, but it reduces the risk of serious illness and complications. People who contract flu despite vaccination generally experience a milder course, the ministry said.

For those who encountered shortages earlier this month, the new deliveries mean availability may have changed at their doctor’s office or vaccination center.