Flu Season Arrives: Health Officials Urge Vaccination as Cases Rise in Karlskoga, Degerfors
Karlskoga/Degerfors, Sweden – As seasonal influenza circulates, health officials are emphasizing teh importance of vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations. across Örebro County, 59 percent have received the flu vaccine and 69 percent are vaccinated against COVID-19, with specific rates varying in karlskoga and Degerfors.
Gunlög Rasmussen, a health official, recommends flu vaccination for everyone 65 or older, as well as individuals in risk groups. For COVID-19, the recommendation extends to those over 75. Current vaccination rates in Karlskoga stand at 56 percent for flu and 62 percent for COVID-19, while Degerfors reports 50 percent and 55 percent respectively.
Vaccination efforts began in early November for the flu and October for COVID-19 and remain ongoing. Rasmussen stressed vaccination is “the most important tool” to reduce illness and death within recommended groups and for those with underlying medical conditions. beyond preventing the flu itself, vaccination also limits the risk of complications like pneumonia and can even lower the risk of heart attack for individuals with cardiovascular disease, as it “counteracts a worsening of the underlying disease.” Health and care staff are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for all recommended groups.
Officials are also noting an increase in flu-like symptoms among school children, who may be more susceptible to severe illness due to developing immune systems. individuals experiencing fever and sore throat are advised to stay home and avoid contact with risk groups, practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette and frequent handwashing.
