The late autumn respiratory tract infection season is about to begin – how to protect yourself from the Covid-19 and other infections
The number of respiratory tract infections usually starts to increase in late autumn. Both common rhinitis and influenza are usually observed the most often at the end and beginning of the year. The Covid-19 has also been predicted to follow seasonal variations typical of viruses.
There has been a moderate increase in the number of registered Covid-19 infections in Finland since the beginning of September. In week 40, approximately 12,000 cases were recorded, compared to 10,000 in the previous week.
Only Covid-19 cases diagnosed with a laboratory test are entered into the National Infectious Diseases Register, which means that the total number of cases is higher.
"Cases of the Covid-19 are likely to continue to rise as the autumn progresses. The most important thing is that everyone takes the recommended Covid-19 vaccine doses. Vaccines provide very good protection against a serious form of Covid“, says Research Professor Hannu Kiviranta, who is Head of Unit at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
"As with other respiratory tract infections, the coronavirus is likely to show seasonal variation in the future, so the situation is not exceptional. The number of cases has also increased in other parts of Europe this autumn,” Kiviranta continues.
Small rise in the need for hospital care of Covid-19 patients - very few in intensive care
The increase in the number of Covid-19 cases is also reflected in the need for hospital care. Due to the Covid-19, the number of people in hospital care increased slightly in October.
All in all, there are currently just under one thousand Covid-19 registered patients in primary health care and specialised medical care departments throughout the country. About half of them were hospitalised because of the Covid-19. The primary reason for treatment for other patients is some other ailment.
“In particular, it is pertinent to look at the figures for specialised medical care, as even slightly more serious cases of Covid-19 are treated there. At the moment, there are approximately 200 patients in specialised medical care due to Covid-19. There are a few people in intensive care,” says Tuija Leino, Chief Physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
Protect yourself from the Covid-19 and influenza
You can protect yourself against the Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory tract infections in the same way:
- Take the recommended vaccinations.
- Stay at home while sick.
- Wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
- Assess your own risk, use a mask if necessary and keep a distance from others.
- Take care of ventilation.
Take the recommended Covid-19 vaccinations
At the end of September, THL recommended a new Covid-19 booster vaccination for the early winter for
- all persons aged 65 and over
- those aged 18–64 who are part of a medical risk group
- persons with severe immunodeficiency aged 12 or over
You can take the booster vaccine when at least three months have passed since you had your previous vaccination or contracted the disease. It is advisable to take the late autumn Covid booster together with the influenza vaccine at the latest in December.
The Covid-19 vaccination recommendation for adults other than those mentioned above is as follows:
- persons aged 18 to 59 who do not belong to risk groups
- 3 doses
- a previous Covid-19 infection is considered a single vaccine dose.
- a third vaccine dose at the earliest 4 months from the previous vaccination/infection
- persons aged 60–64 who do not belong to risk groups
- 4 doses
- a previous Covid-19 infection is considered a single vaccine dose
- a fourth vaccine dose at the earliest 3 months from the previous vaccination/infection
Municipalities organise vaccinations and will specify where and when COVID-19 vaccines can be obtained.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is monitoring the Covid-19 situation and, if necessary, will adjust its vaccination recommendations on medical grounds.
Further information:
Your own Covid-19 vaccination: how, why, and when?
Hannu Kiviranta
Head of Unit, Research Professor
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 29 524 6361
Tuija Leino
Chief Physician
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 29 524 8787
