Maria Marklund, chief medical officer for infection control in Region Västerbotten.
As VK previously reported, the region has implemented infection prevention measures in the county's hospitals. This is partly due to a tense situation with overcrowding in many departments.
On Monday morning, 25 people with contagious covid-19 were admitted to Norrlands University Hospital and 13 to Skellefteå Hospital. Lycksele Hospital also had covid patients, but it was unclear how many.
However, being admitted with covid-19 does not necessarily mean that one is being treated for that reason; it could be patients who sought care for another condition and were later found to be infected.
The region is now also urging county residents, both in terms of staying home when sick and ensuring that those recommended for vaccination receive their shots.
– For most people, covid-19 is no longer a serious illness, but there are still those who become so ill that they need to be hospitalized. It is therefore important that those recommended for vaccination make sure they strengthen their protection by getting vaccinated, says Maria Marklund, chief medical officer for infection control at Region Västerbotten to VK.
Even those who do not belong to any of the groups recommended for vaccination can, if they wish, get vaccinated starting from December 4.
According to the region, there are also several other respiratory infections that usually spread during the winter season, and according to Marklund, they have now begun to receive isolated cases of influenza.
– But we cannot say that the flu season is here yet. Again, it is important that those who are at risk of becoming seriously ill and those who work in health care and nursing take the opportunity to get vaccinated, she says.
So far, they have confirmed one case of the RS virus.
As for what can be done to avoid infection, the advice is the same for all infections.
– Good hand hygiene is important, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. And avoid being around people you know are sick, says Marklund and continues:
– Above all, remember that it is not the time to visit elderly relatives or babies if you have cold symptoms, as they are among the groups that can develop a more serious illness. Think about the people around you and wait until you feel better.