The spread of COVID-19 is on the rise — and the state epidemiologist determines what applies

The Public Health Authority recommended that those wishing to obtain the seasonal vaccination against Coronavirus (Covid-19) should do so as soon as they have the opportunity. In some places, including Skellefteå and Norsjö, there were long queues to receive the vaccine.

Magnus Gislin, a government epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency, confirms that interest in vaccines is great.

– In some places it is difficult to get appointments because there is a lot of pressure. It is then important to prioritize groups at risk.

Who should get vaccinated?

– Age is a very important factor. Therefore, vaccination is recommended for people over 65 years of age, as well as people with other underlying diseases. If you have not been vaccinated before and are between 50-65 years old, we recommend getting vaccinated now this fall. We also recommend vaccination for pregnant women.

If you are young, healthy and have already been vaccinated. Do you need a vaccine booster then?

– No, you don’t need that. If you don’t have any other risk factors, we expect you to have good immunity. Partly from previous vaccinations but also from previous infections. Basically, everyone has had this infection at least once.

How long should you stay home if you are sick?

-You should stay home when you have a fever and when you have the appropriate symptoms. Then when it starts to pass, you can go to work. So there is no time limit there.

How do the recommendations differ for the common cold?

– In fact, they are no different. If you become infected and develop severe cold symptoms, you should stay home and make sure you do not infect others. It doesn’t matter if it’s coronavirus, influenza, or another respiratory infection. If you have very mild symptoms, you can often go to work. The important thing then is not to meet people who are vulnerable and at risk of serious illness, and this applies even if you have a mild cold.

Should you be tested for the disease, and how should you react to a positive result? Magnus Gieslin answers in the player above.