Norwegian health agency outlines expectations for upcoming flu season

The Norwegian Institute of Public Health released its initial report on respiratory infections, showing low circulation of influenza, RSV and COVID-19. Flu tests returned roughly three percent positivity in week 42, a modest increase but still stable, and COVID-19 rose from two to three percent. RSV cases are currently negligible.

Karoline Bragstad, head of the influenza unit, expects the upcoming flu season to follow a more traditional trajectory, with the peak extending into the new year rather than concentrating around Christmas. She cautioned that infections will still occur before and after the peak, though overall holiday transmission should be lower than the previous season. The institute emphasizes that the dominant flu strain is well covered by one outlet vaccine, urging high-risk groups to be vaccinated promptly.