The flu epidemic in Finland started back in December and is still going strong, even though it will be mid-April soon.
According to Niina Ikonen, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare THL, the epidemic is still ongoing and the number of cases is high in almost the whole country.
"From early October to date, more than 16,000 laboratory-confirmed infections have been reported. During the same period a year earlier, there were fewer than 11,000," says Ikonen.
Impact of coronavirus restrictions
Laboratory-confirmed infections are the tip of the iceberg. Even among those who contact health service for a flu-like symptoms, only a small proportion are tested.
According to Ikonen, it is difficult to find an unambiguous reason for the long duration of the epidemic, and the large number of people who have been infected.
"The effectiveness of the vaccine against influenza A viruses has fallen this season, meaning that people have become ill despite being vaccinated. In addition, the containment measures that were in place during the coronavirus pandemic also prevented the spread of influenza. So, we may have people who are more susceptible to influenza than usual," Ikonen explains.
Also, coronavirus infections — which cause Covid-19 — are being seen, but not at epidemic levels, Ikonen noted.
When to go back to work
The vast majority of people who get the flu stay home to recover without contacting health services. Some days of sick leave can often be taken without the need for a doctor's note.
In these cases, people also decide themselves when to go back to work. Asked when the right time to do so could be, THL Chief Specialist Niina Ikonen has some simple advice.
"When the symptoms have clearly decreased and you feel able to move, function, and work. A little coughing and sniffling may continue for a longer period of time," says Ikonen.
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