Christmas is approaching fast in Norway, but so is a significant wave of influenza. As families and friends gather for holiday celebrations, the Norwegian Directorate of Health is warning of a rise in infections that could be especially risky for vulnerable groups.
Cases of the flu virus are higher than usual for this time of year. In addition, a different and more aggressive variant of the influenza virus—known as H3N2—is spreading this winter.
Right now, the virus is spreading fastest in areas like Oslo and nearby Bærum. While children and young people currently account for most cases, authorities worry the infection could jump to older relatives during Christmas gatherings.
"H3N2 often hits the elderly particularly hard, and the effect of the vaccine is often lower than with H1N1," warns Frank O.D. Pettersen, senior physician in infectious medicine at Oslo University Hospital (OUS), in an article for TV2.
In older adults, the flu can present as tiredness, lethargy, confusion, or decreased function (difficulty with daily activities).
Hospitals and local doctors are reminding everyone of the rules we learned during the pandemic, such as keeping your distance, washing your hands, and cough etiquette.
- Stay home: If you have flu symptoms, rest and avoid meeting others.
- Wear a mask: "If you have to go out, you should use a face mask," advises Dr. Pettersen.
- Avoid the elderly: If you are sick, skip visits to grandparents or other vulnerable relatives.
Chief Physician at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Ingvild Fjeldheim, told TV2: "There is no reason to cancel Christmas celebrations, but you should take some precautions if you have respiratory symptoms and are going to be with older people."
Hospitals are under pressure
The situation is putting a strain on the healthcare system. Hospitals such as Akershus University Hospital are seeing many staff out sick while patient numbers keep rising.
"We are entering the period when admissions usually peak," says Health Director Cathrine Marie Lofthus. She calls the situation "controlled pressure" but warns that hospitals need to be ready for more cases before Christmas.
What to do—and what to avoid
With GPs and emergency rooms busier than usual, authorities are asking everyone to act responsibly:
- Don’t go to the ER for mild symptoms: Use digital tools or self-treatment at home if possible.
- When to get help: Call your GP if you feel worse or don’t get better. Go to the emergency room right away if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, or your condition gets much worse quickly.
- Vaccinate: It’s not too late. "To unvaccinated elderly people, small children in risk groups, and healthcare personnel: Vaccinate now," urges Director Lofthus.
You can get the vaccine at your General Practitioner or directly at most pharmacies.
READ MORE: Five things you didn't know you can do at pharmacies in Norway
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