The matter in summary: • Professor Jörn Klein at the University of South East Norway believes that covid-19 is more dangerous than influenza, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups.• Many elderly people choose to skip the booster dose of the corona vaccine, which can be very risky.• Newer research shows that covid-19 poses a serious health threat, not only in the acute phase, but also in the long term.• Professor Klein believes that covid-19 can lead to serious complications such as lung damage, blood clots and “lung covid”.• Immunologist Gunnveig Grødeland at the University of Oslo believes it is too early to determine that covid-19 is a more dangerous disease than influenza.• Figures from the national vaccination register show a clear decrease in the number of vaccinations, especially among those aged 65–74. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAi. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. – Covid-19 is much more dangerous than the flu, especially for the elderly and other vulnerable groups, says Jörn Klein, professor of infection control at the University of South East Norway. Last year, 1,546 so-called covid-19-associated deaths were registered. The vast majority of those affected were older than 70 years. – Studies have shown that booster doses have significantly reduced mortality in this age group, says Klein. Jörn Klein is professor of infection control and microbiology at the University of South East Norway. Photo: University of Southeast Norway – Higher risk of death He believes that recent research leaves little doubt whether covid-19 still poses a serious health threat to many. Not only in the acute phase, but also in the long run. – In another study done on American military veterans, the researchers found that those who were hospitalized with covid-19 had a 51% higher probability of death over a follow-up period of 18 months, compared to those who were hospitalized with influenza, says Klein. The professor points out that covid-19 can lead to serious complications such as lung damage, blood clots and “lung covid”. According to Klein, the coronavirus is more contagious, and leads to more hospitalizations. Nevertheless, he believes that it is important for the elderly to also be vaccinated against influenza. – There is not necessarily a priority between the covid and flu vaccine. Both vaccines are important for this age group. Taking both vaccines provides protection against two serious viral infections, and can reduce the risk of complications, hospitalization and death, he says. – Underestimating the flu Immunologist Gunnveig Grødeland at the University of Oslo believes it is too early to determine that covid-19 is a more dangerous disease than the flu. – I think it is difficult to only look at individual studies. There is not enough reliable data to compare these diseases. I am waiting for this until we get a final conclusion, says Grødeland. Immunologist and vaccine researcher Gunnveig Grødeland. Photo: Ola Sæther She believes that we tend to underestimate the flu, and points out that in some years the disease can cost up to 1,700 Norwegians their lives. – We have also seen an increase in heart disease in the population after such epidemics, says the immunologist. Grødeland still believes it is important for elderly and vulnerable groups to get vaccinated against corona. – Especially if you have not been infected recently. If you have been ill with covid-19 in the past six months, you have basic protection, Grødeland believes. Fewer people took the vaccine Autumn is fast approaching, and for many elderly people over the age of 65, that means another booster dose against the coronavirus. Also this year, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health recommends that everyone over 65 and those with underlying illnesses take the updated vaccine. But far from everyone chooses to protect themselves against the disease. Figures from the national vaccination register show a clear decrease in the number of injections, especially among those aged 65–74. Last year, for the first time, the municipalities were encouraged to offer vaccines against influenza and corona at the same time. This call will be repeated this year. Are Stuwitz Berg, department director at the Institute of Public Health. Photo: Torstein Bøe – Experience shows that the municipalities that had an established offer of co-vaccination had the highest support for both the corona and flu vaccine, says department director Are Stuwitz Berg at FHI. He believes there are several factors that can explain the decline. – One is access and organization in the municipalities. Another thing is that some may have already been infected before vaccination, and thus have followed the recommendation to postpone vaccination, says Berg. He also believes that many people may be unsure about how many doses they should take. – The information campaign from FHI this autumn and information from the municipal health service will help to make the recommendations as well known as possible, says Berg. Published 22.08.2024, at 05.45
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– Covid-19 much more dangerous than the flu – news Buskerud – Local news, TV and radio
