http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/2009/07/authorities_brace_for_finnish_swine_flu_outbreak_847744.html
Experts say they?re surprised by the aggressive spread of swine flu in Finland, and they say Finland may see its first major outbreak of the H1N1 influenza this fall.
Ville Valtonen, head physician at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at Helsinki?s Aurora Hospital, says the H1N1 virus has been spreading at exceptionally high speed.
?I?m slightly surprised by the fact that the virus has been able to spread this quickly in the northern hemisphere in summertime,? says Valtonen, adding that the UK is in the midst of a full-fledged swine flu epidemic, which is a unique situation for this time of year.
Unseasonal Flu Wave Targets Young Adults
Valtonen says swine flu seems to spreading rapidly among young adults. Seventy-five percent of all European H1N1 infections are among people below the age of 30.
?The younger segment of the population has not built up a resistance against the virus."
Valtonen says he believes it?s likely that Finnish swine influenza cases will jump at the start of the school year in August.
Influenza Outbreaks Come in Threes
Influenza epidemics usually wash over the population in three waves. One million Finns are expected to contract H1N1 in the first wave, which lasts a few months. The second wave, which is deadlier, is expected to run its course in six months.
?The second wave is more severe and has higher fatality rates," notes Valtonen.
Valtonen says Finland has done everything possible to contain the disease, and that Finland will begin administering vaccines in early autumn.
?The influenza making its way to Finland seems to be quite mild. The majority of patients?more than 90 percent?will be able to nurse their symptoms at home,? he says.
Health officials are meeting on Monday to discuss whether Finland should update its epidemic preparedness plan.
Experts say they?re surprised by the aggressive spread of swine flu in Finland, and they say Finland may see its first major outbreak of the H1N1 influenza this fall.
Ville Valtonen, head physician at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases at Helsinki?s Aurora Hospital, says the H1N1 virus has been spreading at exceptionally high speed.
?I?m slightly surprised by the fact that the virus has been able to spread this quickly in the northern hemisphere in summertime,? says Valtonen, adding that the UK is in the midst of a full-fledged swine flu epidemic, which is a unique situation for this time of year.
Unseasonal Flu Wave Targets Young Adults
Valtonen says swine flu seems to spreading rapidly among young adults. Seventy-five percent of all European H1N1 infections are among people below the age of 30.
?The younger segment of the population has not built up a resistance against the virus."
Valtonen says he believes it?s likely that Finnish swine influenza cases will jump at the start of the school year in August.
Influenza Outbreaks Come in Threes
Influenza epidemics usually wash over the population in three waves. One million Finns are expected to contract H1N1 in the first wave, which lasts a few months. The second wave, which is deadlier, is expected to run its course in six months.
?The second wave is more severe and has higher fatality rates," notes Valtonen.
Valtonen says Finland has done everything possible to contain the disease, and that Finland will begin administering vaccines in early autumn.
?The influenza making its way to Finland seems to be quite mild. The majority of patients?more than 90 percent?will be able to nurse their symptoms at home,? he says.
Health officials are meeting on Monday to discuss whether Finland should update its epidemic preparedness plan.