The Public Health Agency of Sweden is seeing a continued increase in the number of reported cases of seasonal flu. The number of infected people two weeks ago was 403 and last week it had jumped to 808.
The number of flu cases has doubled every week since the epidemic began in mid-November.
"We see that we are in a rapid increase. We also see that we have an increase in serious cases, but it is increasing from low levels," says AnnaSara Carnahan, epidemiologist at the Swedish Public Health Agency.
Unclear vaccine protection
Both the number of people who have died and received intensive care with the flu have also increased in recent weeks, from low levels. The number of deaths was 5 two weeks ago and 14 last week. During the same comparison period, the number of new admissions to intensive care was 7 and 12 people, respectively.
The spread of the infection is driven by the so-called K variant, the newly discovered virus variant of the influenza A virus H3N2. The vaccine's protection against the K variant has not been clarified.
We still expect protection against serious disease, even against the K variant, says Carnahan and continues:
There are indications that the protection could be slightly lower, but there is also data from England that still shows moderate protection.
Face masks in the UK
In the UK, citizens were urged in early December to wear face masks outdoors to protect themselves against the flu, The Independent reported. There is no similar call in Sweden.
The Public Health Agency sees similarities between this year's spread of the influenza virus and previous years.
"It's very common for the flu to increase now. But we'll see if it peaks now in December or later in the season," says Carnahan.
David Hjorter/TT
Facts: How to best protect yourself against the flu
TT
Get vaccinated if you are in a risk group. Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet, before cooking and eating. Stay home if you are sick. Be mindful of who you meet. Avoid meeting the most vulnerable when you feel cold symptoms, such as the elderly and infants.
Source: Public Health Agency of Sweden
