H3N2 viruses continue to circulate in Armenia

Influenza A virus subtype H3N2 remains the dominant circulating flu strain in Armenia, according to a weekly surveillance summary released by the YSMU Heratsi Analytical Center.

Data from Heratsi No. 1 Hospital, Muratsan University Hospital Complex and the Mikaelyan Institute of Surgery show that during week three of 2026 (12-18 January), 46 new cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were recorded. This represents a 25.8% decrease compared with the previous week.

Severe cases accounted for 5.4% of all hospitalized respiratory infections, down from 9.7% a week earlier. Children were most affected: 59% of severe cases were among those under five, with the remaining 41% in the 5-14 age group. One child under five required intensive care. No deaths were reported.

During the same period, 11 new SARI cases were tested for influenza. Health authorities confirmed that A(H3N2) viruses continue to circulate nationwide.

Across the wider European region, influenza activity declined slightly between 5 and 11 January, partly due to school holidays. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), hospitalizations remain highest among people aged 65 and over. Influenza A(H3) accounts for 78% of detected cases, with A(H1) making up the remaining 22%.

The regional influenza test positivity rate stands at 33%, down from 39% the previous week but still well above the 10% epidemic threshold. SARS-CoV-2 activity remains low at 2%, while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation is unchanged, with a 7% positivity rate, predominantly affecting children under five.