Flu More Dangerous Than COVID-19 Last Season. FHI Urges Vaccination
Last flu season saw significantly more hospitalizations than usual. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) is urging seniors and people in risk groups to get vaccinated against the flu. The ranking of cases and deaths from last year highlights the urgent need for action before the upcoming season.
The number of deaths is counted in the hundreds
/zdjęcie poglądowe, fot. Max Pixel
Last season in Norway, more than 8,200 people were hospitalized due to the flu, which far exceeded the average of the past decade. By comparison, 5,800 people were hospitalized due to COVID-19—almost all of whom belonged to risk groups. In total, 382 people died from flu complications, and 397 deaths were attributed to COVID-19 during the same season. Almost without exception, all of these individuals belonged to the most vulnerable groups—mainly the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
FHI Calls for Vaccination
In response to the data, FHI is urging everyone over the age of 65 to get the flu vaccine as well as the pneumococcal vaccine. The institute also recommends COVID-19 vaccination for people in risk groups.
People with chronic illnesses, pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, and children in risk groups are also included in the vaccination recommendation. Doctors and medical staff are required to provide all necessary information.
People with chronic illnesses, pregnant women in the second and third trimesters, and children in risk groups are also included in the vaccination recommendation. Doctors and medical staff are required to provide all necessary information.
Norwegian medical staff support prevention.Photo: Adobe Stock, standard license
Flu and COVID Season in Norway
As FHI director Guri Rørtveit emphasizes, it is difficult to predict how the winter season will develop regarding respiratory diseases. Last season, the flu was particularly severe, while the COVID-19 wave was moderate. The situation may change.
The institute treats the current warnings as a preventive measure. Receiving the recommended vaccinations is intended to reduce the number of severe cases and deaths in the coming months.
The institute treats the current warnings as a preventive measure. Receiving the recommended vaccinations is intended to reduce the number of severe cases and deaths in the coming months.
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