Epidemic hazard

Coronavirus infections are spreading across Finland, according to the Institute for Health and Welfare, THL.
The case numbers have grown over the autumn, with the country recording about 200 lab-confirmed Covid cases per week in recent weeks, according to THL specialist Niina Ikonen.
"These are laboratory confirmed cases, and just the tip of the iceberg [in terms of actual infections]. The majority of people [with Covid] are at home. It can be said that coronavirus infections are spreading throughout the country," Ikonen explained.
However, there have been fewer cases this autumn compared to the same time a year ago, when there were around 1,000 lab-confirmed cases per week. Covid has not turned out to be as seasonal as influenza, with coronavirus infection cases occurring more steadily throughout the year, according to Ikonen.
She said health officials have started administering Covid vaccine booster shots to seniors and other vulnerable groups, and that they're off to a good start.
"At the beginning of November, there was a 37-percent vaccination coverage rate among people over the age of 85. Among the 65 to 79 year-old set, the coverage rate was 17 percent."

Other viruses circulate
There have been more reports of adenovirus and rhinovirus cases than in recent years, however. Meanwhile, Finland has also seen more influenza cases than usual for this time of year.
"However, we have not seen an exceptional number of influenza cases so far. The epidemic threshold has not been reached yet, but the situation is being closely monitored. Situations can change very quickly," Ikonen explained.
All of the viruses in question can cause similar symptoms, according to the specialist. She said that when considering all different types and subvariants of viruses, there are a "couple hundred" respiratory infection agents circulating in the country at the moment.
"There is a large number of different respiratory viruses circulating at the moment," she said, adding that in terms of symptoms, it's not possible to distinguish which specific virus is causing them.
According to Ikonen, it is advisable to have a low threshold for staying at home from work when respiratory infection symptoms start to appear.
"Then it would be worth avoiding contact with others as much as possible. That reduces infection risks. Of course, it's also good for your health to rest," Ikonen said.