It is possible that all three epidemics are significantly greater at Christmas time, according to the Institute of Public Health. The fear of the health authorities is that the overall burden on the health service could be great. And the World Health Organization (WHO) predicts a harsh winter of disease. It is a concern assistant director of health, Espen Rostrup Nakstad, shares. – We share the concern that there may be a lot of flu early in the winter months at the same time as the spread of covid-19 and other respiratory viruses increases, he says. It was around this time last year that the government chose to reintroduce the meter and a number of other corona measures, such as a ban on drinking. The reason was that the omicron variant had spread at a rapid pace. Thus, Christmas 2021 was also affected to a certain extent by the pandemic. On 12 February 2022, the government finally removed almost all corona measures. The cases of influenza and other respiratory diseases now increase before Christmas. Photo: Sara Johannessen Meek / NTB – You should wear a mask Now, just before Christmas, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health describes the situation as “unpredictable” in its provisional last week’s report. But it is primarily the fear of an infection peak consisting of both influenza, covid-19 and the RS virus that worries the health authorities. Assistant director of health Espen Rostrup Nakstad encourages people to become better at staying at home when they are ill. – We should get better at staying at home when sick, whether it’s a cold, flu or covid-19, he says to news. – And if we have to go out when we are contagious, we should wear masks to protect others. Good hand hygiene always makes sense, but it does not limit the spread of respiratory viruses alone, he says. Because since October, the number of people with flu who have to be admitted to hospital has steadily increased in Europe, according to the WHO. – If the increase continues as it is now, it is possible that in a few weeks we will have roughly the same number of admissions with influenza as covid-19 in hospitals (in Norway). So far, fortunately, it looks like very few flu patients need intensive care, he says. CORONA CHRISTMAS? Nakstad encourages people who are ill to take their precautions. Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB New variant spreads It is the variant BQ.1.1 that is spreading the fastest of the corona variants right now. At least in the Oslo area. In Norway, it has been the omicron variant BA.5 that has been dominant until now. There is, however, little indication that the latest variant makes you more seriously ill. – It seems that new sub-variants will take over in Norway as well. We follow the development of new variants closely, said department director Are Stuwitz Berg at the Institute of Public Health to news recently. – It is the virus’s ability to cause serious illness that we pay particular attention to. Research: – Good effect The good news is that the new refresher doses from Pfizer and Moderna have a good effect against new variants of the coronavirus, according to an American study. – But many are unsure whether they want to take another refresher dose. What recommendations would you give there? – The most important thing is that everyone who is recommended to take a refresher dose does so, i.e. those over 65 and risk groups. For organ transplant recipients, it may be relevant to take more than four doses in consultation with the specialist who follows up the individual, says Nakstad. – For everyone else, there is no advice on whether or not to take the vaccine if you are healthy and between the ages of 18-65. Therefore, the individual must assess this for himself. The new corona medicine is also available at Norwegian pharmacies from 8 December. It reduces serious illness, but it is primarily the elderly and those with an underlying illness who will benefit from the pill.
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Nakstad says sick Norwegians must become better at staying at home – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
