Influenza epidemic seen to peak in March

The influenza epidemic this winter has started more slowly than usual, but its spread has been increasing in recent days.

The peak of the epidemic, however, is not expected until March. So there is still time to get vaccinated, said the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release.

It takes about two weeks for the protection to develop so that THL urged people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“This season influenza has progressed slowly. Based on our preliminary estimates, the effectiveness of the vaccine is reasonably good for older people and good for children. It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Especially people aged 65 or over and those in the medical risk groups should still be vaccinated,” said THL Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek.

Approximately 1.1 million doses of influenza vaccine have been administered in public healthcare system to date.

Influenza viruses change constantly. So it is necessary to be vaccinated every year. The vaccine is available free of charge for all.

Those aged 65 and above, children aged between 6 months and 6 years, and pregnant women are in the high risk groups because of their illness or treatment.

Those in close contact to a person to whom influenza would pose a serious risk are the men starting their mandatory military service, women starting their voluntary military service, and social- and health-care and medical-care personnel.

The vaccine will also be offered to persons who live for long periods or spend a lot of time in institutional conditions, including reception centres and prisons.

Those entitled to a free vaccination can obtain it from their own healthcare centres, Well Baby or maternity clinics.

Nohynek also mentioned that “Influenza is a serious illness which can cause severe secondary diseases. By getting vaccinated, you can prevent the spread of influenza and protect not only your own health but also your family and friends.

The number of influenza-like illness has exceeded the epidemic threshold. But so far the number of infections is lower than that in previous years.

Statistics show that by 19 February 2020, approximately 6,500 people had contracted influenza A while about 1,000 people had contracted influenza B virus.

“Influenza has been diagnosed in different parts of Finland and people of all ages. But there are regional differences in influenza activity. At the moment, influenza activity is high in North Karelia and moderate in the rest of Finland,” said THL Senior Specialist Niina Ikonen.