In winter Sweden is a cluster of different infections that has varying levels of severity different seasons. Just before Christmas the Public Health Agency of Sweden announced that the spread of Covid-19 was at a high level and was about to take over in Sweden.
However, at the beginning of the new year it appears that the spread has slowed down.
– It is at a stable level, on the same level it has been since the end of summer. We have expected it to increase but when it comes, if it comes and how much it will spread we do not know, says Magnus Gisslén, state epidemiologist at the Public Health Agency and professor of infectious disease at Sahlgrenska Academy.
An increase
Instead it is the flu that has made itself known and increased its spread.
The middle of December is seen as the start of the epidemic and an increase of just over 40 per cent in the number of cases could be seen the week before Christmas which may sound like a lot.
– But that is what it normally looks like when it takes off and starting from levels that are not very high, says Gisslén.
Once the flu has started spreading there are usually a few weeks where there is a sharp increase.
– And it looks like that now so there will surely be even more cases next week.
Make an appointment
For those who are recommended to get a Covid-19 and flu vaccination, that is people over the age of 65 and risk groups, it is not too late.
– We know that the vaccine is beneficial and reduces the risk of needing hospital care or, in the worst case scenario, dying. That goes for both Covid and flu. If you are part of a group that is recommended to get vaccinated it is time to book an appointment right away, says Magnus Gisslén.