The Instituto Nacional de Saúde Ricardo Jorge reported 1,340 flu cases last week and a rise in intensive care admissions, alongside an observed excess in all‑cause mortality. Health authorities are monitoring the trend as seasonal influenza puts additional pressure on hospitals. Expats should consider vaccination and follow local SNS guidance if symptomatic or seeking care.
Intensive care admissions for influenza increased last week
Friday, 9 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The National Institute of Health Ricardo Jorge (Instituto Nacional de Saúde Ricardo Jorge or INSA) is Portugal's public health institute responsible for epidemiological surveillance, reference laboratories, research and technical guidance for the health system. INSA plays a central role in testing, tracking infectious diseases and issuing scientific advice used by the government and the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, so its findings often shape public-health measures and travel or testing guidance.
An intensive care unit (Portuguese: unidade de cuidados intensivos) is a specialised hospital ward that provides close monitoring and life-sustaining treatment for critically ill patients using advanced equipment and highly trained staff. ICU capacity is frequently mentioned because it signals how many severe patients a health system can care for — when ICUs are full, hospitals may delay surgeries, limit admissions or transfer patients, so expats should check insurance and hospital policies for critical-care coverage and visitation rules.
