Influenza cases have seen a resurgence in Finland, with the latest report indicating nearly 1,300 laboratory-confirmed infections during the first week of February. Niina Ikonen, chief expert at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, noted that while the situation is worsening, it is not particularly alarming compared to previous years. The ongoing flu epidemic, which began in late December, has not shown signs of abating.

Health care visits and calls related to influenza have also increased as the epidemic continues. The confirmed cases dropped slightly in early January but quickly spiked again, reaching about 1,400 per week at the end of the year. Ikonen emphasized that predicting the duration of the epidemic is challenging, but the health authorities are monitoring the situation closely.

As Finland grapples with this influenza wave, health officials urge the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The rise in infections may strain healthcare resources, raising concerns about the impact on overall public health as well as the potential for higher hospitalization rates due to flu-related complications in the coming weeks.