Many hospitalized with influenza

The Statens Serum Institut (SSI) reports a rise in influenza and RS virus infections. Both viruses show a high number of confirmed cases within communities. Influenza-related hospital admissions are also at a high level, whereas RS virus admissions remain moderate. RS virus usually presents as a cold but is the leading cause of hospital-requiring respiratory infections in small children. SSI notes that the virus primarily affects children under two years old and the elderly. Influenza is typically a winter illness, with this year’s season starting in early December. A total of 4233 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases and 1041 new hospital admissions have been reported.