Influenza cases skyrocketing in Denmark

Public could be staring down the barrel of a double-epidemic of influenza and COVID-19 this winter as cases mount across Europe

According to new figures from the State Serum Institute (SSI), the number of confirmed influenza cases has shot up significantly in recent weeks.

In week 47 there were 64 cases registered, a figure that has gone up considerably to 583 just three weeks later.

The sharp increase has been registered across all five regions of the country, which has led to an increase in hospitalisations – particularly in the Capital Region.

“It’s a hefty increase, but we are still within the norm. The influenza infection usually peaks in February-March and it’s still too early to say how serious the season will be this year,” said SSI doctor, Lasse Vestergaard.

READ ALSO: Home-based work more normal than before the pandemic

Double-edged sword?
SSI also contends that there is a reasonable chance of a simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza pandemic taking place.

That could lead to a spike in hospitalisations, particularly among the elderly and people in risk groups. 

The good news is that SSI estimates that the risk of a triple-epidemic – one which would also include an RSV epidemic – remains relatively low.

SSI recommends getting an influenza vaccine and following good hygiene practices, as well as limit contact with others if you show symptoms of influenza.





  • How internationals can benefit from joining trade unions

    How internationals can benefit from joining trade unions

    Being part of a trade union is a long-established norm for Danes. But many internationals do not join unions – instead enduring workers’ rights violations. Find out how joining a union could benefit you, and how to go about it.

  • Internationals in Denmark rarely join a trade union

    Internationals in Denmark rarely join a trade union

    Internationals are overrepresented in the lowest-paid fields of agriculture, transport, cleaning, hotels and restaurants, and construction – industries that classically lack collective agreements. A new analysis from the Workers’ Union’s Business Council suggests that internationals rarely join trade unions – but if they did, it would generate better industry standards.

  • Novo Nordisk overtakes LEGO as the most desirable future workplace amongst university students

    Novo Nordisk overtakes LEGO as the most desirable future workplace amongst university students

    The numbers are especially striking amongst the 3,477 business and economics students polled, of whom 31 percent elected Novo Nordisk as their favorite, compared with 20 percent last year.