Norovirus is spreading at workplaces, daycare centres, schools and hospitals across Finland, according to Haider Al-Hello, a senior researcher at THL, the Institute for Health and Welfare.
Asko Järvinen, chief physician at the Helsinki and Uusimaa healthcare district, was quoted by newspaper Helsingin Sanomat on Thursday about a growing norovirus problem in the region. He said outbreaks were often worst at schools and daycare centres.
However, according to data from the Finnish National Infectious Diseases Register, there are not exceptionally large numbers of norovirus cases. The recorded number of infections is nearly half that in the same period in 2022.
On the other hand, the official illness numbers generally only tell part of the story, as stomach ailments are almost universally dealt with at home.
40-second hand wash
Symptoms of norovirus infections include diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain — fever and headache are also possible.
The spread of norovirus tends to peak during the coldest times of the year and case numbers start to drop as spring arrives.
People who are at higher risk of severe norovirus infection symptoms include small children, people over 70 and those with impaired immunity conditions.
In order to prevent infection, THL's Al-Hello advised people to wash their hands with soap and hot water, because alcohol hand sanitiser does not kill norovirus.
"Preferably wash for 40 seconds, to give it time to take effect. After that, rinse off all the viruses," he explained, adding
Norovirus is particularly insidious because it can be transmitted from one person to another even before the carrier has any symptoms of the illness.
Places where the virus is often transmitted include surfaces in public areas, such as door handles that people use.
Flu season isn't over yet
The winter flu epidemic is also continuing, according to another THL senior researcher, Niina Ikonen.
Influenza A infection rates have started to decrease but Influenza B cases have risen somewhat over the past few weeks, and may rise as spring arrives.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have seen a downward trend, while very few coronavirus infections are currently arising.
Despite the situation, Ikonen still advised people who haven't yet had a flu vaccination this season to do it soon.
She underscored that it takes one to two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, and that it is possible to get infected during that interim.
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