Health officials report an unusually early flu outbreak spreading across Norway. Elderly residents and high-risk groups should take immediate precautions.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health detected above-average flu activity in Oslo and Central Norway. Infection rates are climbing faster than normal for this season.
Last week, 3.2 percent of tested samples returned positive for influenza virus. This marks a jump from 2 percent the previous week. Hospital admissions with confirmed flu cases surged from around 30 to nearly 90 patients.
The health institute stated in a press release that this year's flu outbreak may start earlier than usual.
All Norwegian counties now report flu transmission. Oslo leads with 6.3 percent positive tests, followed by Møre and Romsdal at 5.0 percent and Trøndelag at 4.6 percent.
Health authorities emphasize that flu vaccination offers the best protection against the viral infection. They recommend at-risk groups get vaccinated promptly.
This early spike suggests Norway could face a more severe flu season than typical. The rapid increase in hospitalizations puts additional strain on healthcare services already preparing for winter pressures.