SSI expects high flu levels this winter

Influenza infections are expected to reach high levels this winter, while COVID-19 is forecast to remain less widespread, the Statens Serum Institut (SSI), a serum institute, says in a status report, DR reports.

Both influenza A and B are expected to circulate. SSI says cases and influenza-related hospital admissions could reach high levels.

Influenza A has been more common in recent seasons, while influenza B has been limited. SSI says that may mean less naturally acquired immunity to influenza B, allowing it to make up a larger share of infections this season.

COVID-19-related hospital admissions are expected to remain at a low to medium level. People aged 65 and over are being offered free vaccines against both COVID-19 and influenza, which SSI says provide good protection against the two respiratory infections.

Vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been offered to pregnant women since October last year. SSI says hospital admissions among infants fell by 70 per cent in the most recent season compared with other years, and expects vaccination to reduce the disease burden among the youngest infants this winter.

RSV is still expected to circulate among older children and adults, but usually causes a common cold with a cough in those groups.