Flu and coronavirus are spreading in Norway. FHI warns that time is running out
The number of flu and coronavirus infections is rising in Norway. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) reports that this year's infection season began earlier than usual. The institute stresses that vaccinating people in risk groups is becoming urgent.
Flu and COVID-19 are on the rise again. FHI provides important information about vaccines.
Fot. Adobe Stock, licencja standardowa
Late autumn and winter are periods of increased respiratory infections. In 2026, viruses began spreading somewhat earlier, as confirmed by data presented in FHI's weekly report. The rise in flu infections is particularly notable. The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is also being detected increasingly often.
Flu is spreading faster. Most infections in northern Norway
The number of flu infections is increasing. In week 45 of the year, the virus was detected in 6 per cent of tested samples, more often than during the corresponding period in previous years. Most infections occur in the north of the country. FHI identifies the regions of Troms, Finnmark and Nordland as areas with the highest levels of flu infections.
Influenza type A dominates in the samples. The H1N1 subtype is detected most often, closely related to the virus variant that circulated last season. It is included in the vaccine. FHI reports that the vaccine used this autumn also covers the subtype currently responsible for most detected flu infections.
Influenza type A dominates in the samples. The H1N1 subtype is detected most often, closely related to the virus variant that circulated last season. It is included in the vaccine. FHI reports that the vaccine used this autumn also covers the subtype currently responsible for most detected flu infections.
Viruses struck earlier than usual, FHI reports.Photo: Pixabay
Coronavirus is spreading again. FHI points to an urgent need for vaccinations
The number of coronavirus infections is also increasing. In the past week, 5 per cent of tested samples returned a positive result, confirming the upward trend observed by FHI. The XFG variant is detected most frequently. According to the institute, this year's COVID-19 vaccine also covers this variant of the virus.
FHI draws attention to vaccination rates among seniors. So far, 27 per cent of people over 65 have received the flu vaccine, while 13 per cent of people over 75 have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The institute emphasises that there is increasingly little time left for vaccination. This applies primarily to people in risk groups, whom FHI recommends get vaccinated as soon as possible.
FHI draws attention to vaccination rates among seniors. So far, 27 per cent of people over 65 have received the flu vaccine, while 13 per cent of people over 75 have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The institute emphasises that there is increasingly little time left for vaccination. This applies primarily to people in risk groups, whom FHI recommends get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The increase in infections is not limited to flu and COVID-19. FHI reports that other coronaviruses responsible for common colds are also being detected more frequently. The institute is currently observing an upward trend in these cases as well.
How do you rate this article?