FHI Director Camilla Stoltenberg. Photo: Torstein Bøe / NTB
The number of new coronavirus introductions dropped dramatically last week, and the wave of winter infections has returned. At the same time, more and more people are hospitalized with influenza.
In the past two weeks, the number of new coronavirus admissions per week has fallen from a peak of 545 to 345 last week, according to the FHI in New risk assessment.
As the situation now appears, the community can go on with normal daily life without special infection control measures against covid-19, says NIPH Director Camilla Stoltenberg.
In addition, the number of weekly admissions in intensive care units decreased from 56 to 29 patients in the same period.
At the same time, we have reason to expect a new wave of Covid-19, perhaps in the fall or winter, and we may also see a new wave of the new alternative already in the summer. It’s also possible that the epidemic will continue at an average level throughout the summer, Stoltenberg says.
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There is now an ever-decreasing burden on the healthcare system and society, as the number of people with home offices is decreasing. The number of infected is also lower, notes the director of the FHI, who nevertheless stresses that the situation in the future is unpredictable.
An entirely new species could dramatically change the picture, but a population’s basic immunity would likely protect well against serious disease, regardless of the alternative.
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The epidemic must be closely monitored so that any change in infection status is detected early so that we can deal with it quickly, correctly and cost-effectively, Stoltenberg points out. Municipalities must be prepared to step up infection detection, testing and vaccination.
Influenza is on the rise
Meanwhile, flu season is in full swing in Norway. Recently, the number of influenza admissions has increased significantly. During flu season, 409 people have been admitted so far, ten of whom are in the intensive care unit.
And hospitals must prepare for the fact that the number of influenza admissions will increase in April. Older adults and younger people with an underlying disease have a higher risk of serious illness.
It is assumed that the immunity of the population will be lower than normal due to the low prevalence of influenza or the lack of spread in recent seasons. There are now more children who have never encountered the influenza virus before.
(© NTB)
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