Seasonal flu has increased so much that the level has exceeded the limit value for an epidemic.
A total of 1,761 flu cases were reported last week.
- In number, it is a large percentage increase, more than a doubling of cases.
But sampling also increased quite markedly.
So it also affects, says Annasara Carnahan, epidemiologist at the Swedish Public Health Agency.
The number of cases is usually higher, but during the pandemic when the health care provider tests for suspected covid-19 to a much greater extent, more cases of influenza are also detected.
Counted as the epidemic
The spread of influenza has just picked up speed and is at the beginning of the curve.
- It is common for it to start before Christmas and in a normal year it can level out during the Christmas holidays when the children do not go to school and you meet in smaller contexts.
You can expect a peak in February-March.
But it will be affected by various measures taken against covid-19, says Annasara Carnahan.
The largest number of cases per 100,000 inhabitants is in Svealand, especially the regions of Uppsala, Stockholm and Sörmland.
But even here, the figures can be affected by the fact that different regions have sampled differently.
Difficult for care
The age group with the most cases is children between 5 and 14 years - primary school students.
A total of 17 people in the country have been cared for in the intensive care unit for influenza.
- There we see that it has started.
There is a risk that it will be a difficult situation with increased spread of influenza and covid spread, says Carnahan.
People at risk are recommended to be vaccinated against influenza.
Unlike covid-19, the purpose of the vaccine is only to protect those who are at risk of becoming seriously ill, not to prevent the spread of infection.