📉 SARS-CoV-2 remains low; limited hospital impact

In the ECDC weekly Communicable Disease Threats Report (EU/EEA, week 3, 2026), SARSCoV2 circulation remained low across all age groups, with currently limited impact on hospitalisationsdespite elevated respiratory illness visits and high influenza activity.

Why It Matters To Your Practice

▪ Primary care is seeing elevated respiratory illness presentations in most reporting countries, signaling widespread respiratory virus circulation.

▪ Influenza circulation is high across age groups (A(H3N2) dominant), while RSV is risingso “COVID-like” symptoms may more often reflect other pathogens.

▪ Hospital admissions remain elevated overall, especially in adults 65 years, even as the pooled hospitalisation trend is decreasing.

Clinical Benefits

▪ Use the low SARSCoV2 burden to refine differential diagnosis for Respiratory disorder presentations (e.g., prioritize influenza/RSV when clinically consistent).

▪ Target testing and antivirals to highest-yield scenarios (older adults, severe disease, high-risk comorbidities), aligned with local guidance and availability.

▪ Reinforce influenza vaccination and early treatment pathways as influenza remains a key driver of current respiratory morbidity.

Managing Risks

▪ Dont let low SARSCoV2 circulation reduce vigilance: data are provisional and can be influenced by reporting delays, incomplete country data, and low testing volumes.

▪ RSV admissions are rising in many countriesprimarily in children <5so ensure escalation criteria and caregiver guidance are clear.

▪ Maintain situational awareness for emerging threats: WHO reported 3 new human A(H9N2) cases in China (all children recovered); MVD in Ethiopia remains contained with no new cases since Jan 16, 2026.

The Bottom Line

▪ SARSCoV2 is currently a smaller contributor to hospital strain in the EU/EEA than influenza and RSV.

▪ Expect continued high respiratory visit volume and elevated admissions in older adults, even as some indicators trend down.

▪ Prioritize practical triage, targeted testing, and influenza/RSV-focused management while monitoring updates.