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In the future, more people will be infected with corona and flu. Here's the advice of FHI Director Camilla Stoltenberg if you're unsure whether you should stay home for work or school.
On Thursday, the Institute of Public Health announced that we are likely to face the beginning of a new wave of covid-19 in Norway.
In addition, they predict a record number of flu cases this winter.
FHI Director Camilla Stoltenberg does not anticipate that further containment measures will be needed, but reiterates the clear recommendation for everyone over 65 and at risk:
"People who have not yet been vaccinated in these groups should do so now," says Stoltenberg.
– The second measure is to stay home when you are sick. This is a common recommendation, but we are emphasizing it now because you can get both corona and flu.
Fever and cough
The infection is spreading faster in the community, but according to Stoltenberg, there is no reason to believe that the new variants will lead to a more serious illness. As a result, many will only have mild symptoms.
– How sick do you have to be to stay at home without going to work or school?
– If you cough in such a way that there is a high risk of infecting others, stay home if possible. It is not possible for everyone, but with a fever, everyone should stay at home regardless of what they are infected with, be it corona or any other type of infectious disease.
Stoltenberg says that the feeling of illness is crucial when considering the use of self-report.
"And then, of course, there's the assessment of who you risk infecting by going to work or doing the things you usually do." Next, you should consider both the people you live with and the people you go out and meet with. This is especially important if you are with people who have weakened immune systems or are otherwise less tolerant of getting sick with corona or flu.
– Should I still have an antibacterial agent in the workplace and spray the keyboards before leaving?
"That's always a good idea." Especially smart in the season when you have the flu, other respiratory illnesses and corona, he says.
60 fewer people had the flu vaccine
Preben Aavitsland previously said he suspects some are not taking the vaccine because it costs money.
“The Covid vaccine is free, but the flu vaccine is not – and always has been. It's a political decision, says Stoltenberg.
"The good thing is that it's much more readily available now, there are a lot of pharmacies that offer this vaccine, and that means there are more people who can take it than before." But we want many more people to do it, both medical staff and people who, for other reasons, should take care of themselves and others.
- 60 000 fewer people took the flu vaccine than this time last year, what do you think the reason could be?
“I don't know, maybe because it's a little impractical. So far, we have not been able to offer a COVID vaccine together with the flu vaccine. I hope this will be possible in the future. This year there is no such possibility, so often you have to vaccinate twice.
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