Risk of longer wait times when many people seek care at the same time

After long holidays, infections are expected to continue to spread as more people gather together, many return to schools and workplaces, and many more people carry the virus. This means that even some Skåne staff need to stay home due to illness or childcare, and at the same time as many are seeking medical care, this may result in longer waiting times for receptions.

The most dangerous first

– It is important to remember that emergency departments are primarily intended for those who need emergency healthcare resources. In the emergency department, a medical assessment is performed, which means that the most seriously ill patients are taken care of first. This means that the waiting time can be very long for those who are not seriously ill, says Pia Lundbom, director of health and medical care in the Skåne region.

1177 direct quick option

Since last fall, the digital service “1177 Mubasher”, which can be accessed via 1177.se, has been available. It's a quick option to get help to evaluate your symptoms and get guidance. This may include advice on self-care for mild symptoms or referral to 112 for severe symptoms. You can also chat with the staff at the health centre.

First-class health center

If you become ill and want to see a healthcare professional who can assess your problems, you should contact the health center in the first instance.

-If more people end up seeking care from the start, we can avoid unnecessary long waiting times while at the same time contributing to reducing pressure on emergency departments. By getting help from 1177 or booking an appointment at your health centre, you will often get help faster, says Pia Lundbom.

Airborne winter infections

Several airborne virus infections are currently spreading in Skåne. Last week, the number of flu cases was at about the same level as the previous two weeks. The RS virus is also spreading at a moderate level, and in recent weeks the number of confirmed cases has increased.

– As in previous years, there is a risk of increased spread of respiratory viruses now at the beginning of the year when people return to work and school after the holidays, says Eva Melander, an infectious diseases doctor in the Skone region.

Covid is decreasing

In the case of respiratory viruses, statistics are somewhat poor after weekend weeks because they are affected by the number of care seekers, sampling and reporting. For winter illness, laboratory-confirmed cases are currently at a low level.

– For Covid, a decreasing trend can be seen in Skåne County and nationally according to the Public Health Agency. Eva Melander says the number of cases and the percentage of positive samples decreased for the third week in a row.

Reducing the risk of infection

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting infected or infecting others.

By staying home when you are sick, washing your hands and getting vaccinated when recommended, everyone can help prevent the spread of infection. Mild illnesses can be treated with the help of self-care, advice and tips available on 1177.se.

1177 Live (1177.se)

Reducing the risk of infection this winter (1177.se)