The start of the flu epidemic has started with only a couple of weeks until Christmas. It is still uncertain whether there will be a large spread of infection this year – but if it follows last year’s pattern, there will be a steep increase in the next two weeks.
– In the past, the flu peak used to come sometime in February, but the pattern changed during the pandemic, says Magnus Gisslén, state epidemiologist.
The flu and RS virus have passed the level to be counted as an epidemic, while there have been very high levels of the common cold virus during the autumn.
– There are many different infections that are spreading right now, which is something you usually see at this time of year. In addition to covid-19, influenza, RS virus, common cold viruses, so-called rhinoviruses, also spread, says Magnus Gisslén, state epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency and professor of infectious diseases at Sahlgrenska Academy.
Now three epidemics are coinciding: the flu, RS virus and covid-19. The fact that many people are getting sick may have to do with the pandemic measures that reduced the circulation of other viruses.
– It is probably the case that we have more infections now than was usual before the pandemic because the immunity against many different common infections is worse.
New covid variants
As it stands right now, we have reached a climax when it comes to covid-19. There will probably be a new peak later in the winter, says Gisslén.
– There will be new subvariants that will be able to infect us again. There may be a slowdown and then a new peak again. It is not impossible that there will be an increase later in the season again, but we do not know that yet.
It is common for many viruses to circulate in the winter, and right now many are coinciding; whooping cough, streptococcus, mycoplasma, winter vomiting disease, RS virus, rhinovirus, influenza and covid-19, to name the most common.
But meeting during Christmas should be done as much as possible, says state epidemiologist Magnus Gisslén, who advocates “common sense”.
– It is important for our well-being that we can meet and socialize, and we must do that. If you are sick, you must make sure not to meet indoors, and you must be especially careful with frail elderly people. But if you feel healthy, you must of course be able to meet for Christmas. One should not exaggerate the fear, while at the same time having respect for the disease.
Gisslén’s solid tips
• It is important that risk groups take the recommended vaccine dose against influenza and covid-19 this autumn. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, you should not meet people in the risk group indoors
• Parents with newborn children should limit socializing to a smaller circle for the first time, precisely to limit the transmission of whooping cough, RS virus, influenza and other diseases.
• Children in preschool who have had winter vomiting sickness should stay at home for at least two days after the last symptoms, for children in school one day applies. For adults, the recommendation is that you can go to work when you are healthy, but that you should wash your hands carefully and avoid cooking while you are sick.