Seemingly healthy and spiky people infected by the new corona virus may in fact have severe oxygen deficiency. The phenomenon is called silent hypoxia and, according to a doctor at Södersjukhuset in Stockholm, an estimated half of the patients treated in the hospital's intensive care unit have been affected.

- The other day we placed a patient in a respirator who basically sat and texted while we prepared everything. We are not really used to that, says specialist physician Gustaf Edgren.

It is not known how widespread the phenomenon is, but several doctors who SVT News talked to recognize the pattern.

"Must take it to us"

Deputy state epidemiologist Anders Wallensten points out that it can be difficult to detect oxygen deficiency without any symptoms. But the new information gives reasons to investigate the matter more closely.

"If there is any clear criterion that is important, we must of course accept it," he said during the Public Health Authority's daily press conference.

When to seek care?

- If you feel that you need care, then you should contact the care. But if you need care even before that, it is more difficult because there are so many who contact the care. But that is something we have to look at, ”Anders Wallenstam said.

Patient coughed up blood

No matter what the consequences of the new knowledge will be, it is important to really seek care if you feel that you are ill. Not least if you have breathing problems, says Kai Knudsen, chief physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg.

He has read stories of patients with serious symptoms who have not received care, even though they have coughed up blood and fainted.

- I think the council to stay home if you are sick has been misinterpreted. It is very important that you come to a hospital and be examined if you are ill with severe lung symptoms, he tells SVT News.

"No general advice"

At the same time, he shares Anders Wallensten's image that it can be difficult to detect sick individuals who have no symptoms.

- It is tricky and difficult, so it is important to be clear with the advice. But staying at home should not be a general advice, says Kai Knudsen.