The number of confirmed influenza cases continues to rise and RS virus remains at the same high level as in week 51. Confirmed cases of covid-19 decreased slightly in week 52 compared to the previous week. Due to the Christmas and New Year holidays, there may be some delays in data reporting, and the number of confirmed cases may be affected by a temporary change to care-seeking and sampling patterns. If the number of reported cases is very low, it means that more people in the community are sick now than the statistics show. In general, the prevalence of respiratory viruses is considered to be at a high level and the burden on the healthcare system is significant.

During Week 52, 35 new patients in intensive care with COVID-19 have been reported so far, but the number is expected to rise due to follow-up reports. In the past three weeks, an average of 48 new patients were reported per week. So far, there have been 255 confirmed COVID-19 deaths reported in Week 51. This compares to an average of 124 deaths in the previous three weeks.

Confirmed flu cases increased by 20 percent between weeks 51 and 52. Since the season began in week 48, the increase in cases has been strong. The number of intensive care patients with confirmed influenza has increased, and at week 52, 43 new patients have been reported so far.

– Next week, many people will return to their places of work after vacation and schools will start again, and therefore it is important that we help each other now. Anders Lindblom, the state epidemiologist, says those with symptoms of a respiratory infection should stay home and avoid close contact with others.

The Public Health Agency reminds you of the importance of getting vaccinated against coronavirus and influenza in accordance with current recommendations to reduce the risk of serious illness. It is possible to combine the influenza vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccination.

The Public Health Authority has put together information for the public on how to protect yourself and others from winter infections on its website.

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