THL: The spring wave of COVID-19 is under way in Finland, but the situation is calm compared to the previous year
The number of COVID-19 patients in hospital care increased in Finland from mid-March onwards. However, the increase has been moderate in comparison to spring 2022. The number of patients requiring intensive care also increased in the spring, but since then, the growth has halted.
Viruses of the Omicron XBB recombinant lineages are the dominant types circulating in Finland, and their number has increased since late winter. Currently, XBB.1.5 is the most dominant variant, comprising 45 per cent of the sequenced samples. The ability of the XBB recombinant lineages to evade immunity better than previous variants may contribute to the rise in infection rates, thus also increasing the number of patients in hospital care. The new variants have not been found to cause more severe symptoms.
The majority of those who have been hospitalised have been elderly or have had underlying illnesses.
Surges in case numbers are normal
In Europe, the total number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalised patients has remained stable or decreased, although there are some differences in trends between countries. Even the highest levels are still low compared to the peaks of the pandemic.
Tuula Hannila-Handelberg, Chief Physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), says that surges in case numbers are normal when the virus is circulating in the population.
“The spring wave of the coronavirus epidemic is currently under way in Finland, and THL is monitoring the situation. Infection rates tend to decrease towards the summer, but it’s important to identify those patients who are at risk of developing severe forms of coronavirus,” says Hannila-Handelberg.
On 5 May 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency. However, COVID-19 is a disease that is here to stay. It is a threat similar to those posed by other viruses, such as influenza and RSV.
The majority are asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic
The number of people who have received a positive test result does not give an accurate picture of the actual COVID-19 situation in the population, as tests are carried out in a targeted manner according to risk assessment, for example for hospitalised patients. The majority of those infected are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms of coronavirus and recuperate at home.
According to THL's wastewater monitoring, the amount of COVID-19 in wastewater has increased slightly in recent weeks. However, wastewater results cannot be used to determine how many people infected with coronavirus have gotten symptoms of COVID-19 or how severe the symptoms are.
Those infected shed the virus for approximately three weeks, so the infection may show up in wastewater results long after being infected.
Recommended vaccine doses are important
For those under the age of 65, three vaccine doses, including previous infections, provide high-level and long-term protection against severe disease. The protection against severe disease remains at a high level also for those over the age of 65 and in risk groups.
However, the vaccine does not protect against a mild infection, which may lead to hospitalisation for elderly people and those in poor condition.
Mika Muhonen, Specialist at THL, reminds of the importance of recommended vaccines.
“The recommended doses provide as good protection against severe disease as can be achieved through vaccination,” Muhonen says.
Enjoy the summer parties and stay home to recuperate
COVID-19 can be treated in the same way as other respiratory tract infections, such as influenza. Most people with coronavirus have mild symptoms and can be treated at home. The most common symptoms are fatigue, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and rise in temperature. However, in risk groups, the symptoms may be stronger, and the disease may be severe.
According to Tuula Hannila-Handelberg, it is recommended that COVID-19 is treated at home like any other infection. If you have symptoms, you can take a home test if you wish.
“Spring and summer parties can be enjoyed in peace. It’s a good idea to take the recommended vaccine doses and stay at home when ill. You should also assess your own risk and that of others. If you are planning to visit elderly people or people in risk groups, you can ask their opinions about the visit,” Hannila-Handelberg explains.
THL monitors the development of the COVID-19 epidemic and outlines vaccine recommendations for the autumn by June at the latest.
The data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations in Finland will no longer be updated
The data on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccinations in Finland will no longer be updated, as it only monitors the individual until their first infection, and they are not included in the incidence calculation after being infected. As there has been a significant number of recurring COVID-19 infections since summer 2022, the data will no longer be published in this format.
THL monitors the number of registered infections and later publishes the data for the vaccination coverage groups.
Further information
Tuula Hannila-Handelberg (epidemic situation)
Chief Physician, THL
[email protected]
Mika Muhonen (vaccinations)
Medical Specialist, THL
[email protected]
