Experts warn of potential COVID-19 surge in Finland as summer infections rise
Summer typically sees a decrease in sudden respiratory illnesses compared to other seasons. However, COVID-19 cases began to rise earlier this summer, with experts believing that the peak may still be ahead. Reports of COVID-19 infections emerged in July during the Olympic Games, and health authorities in the United States noted that peaks in COVID-19 cases have also coincided with summer months.
Two experts were consulted about the situation. Olli Vapalahti, a virology professor at the University of Helsinki, indicated that it is difficult to draw lasting conclusions regarding the frequency of COVID-19 peaks since the virus has only been known for four years. The emergence of mutated virus strains, population immunity levels, and various circulating variants have influenced its seasonal occurrence.
Vapalahti explained that respiratory viruses such as influenza usually peak in winter months in the Northern Hemisphere while the Southern Hemisphere experiences peaks during summer. In tropical regions, seasonality is not as clear. He emphasized that more time is needed to reliably assess the future cycles of COVID-19 globally or its seasonality.
Leif Lakoma, a senior physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), noted that much remains unknown about COVID-19 behavior and recent infection rates do not conclusively indicate a summer surge. He acknowledged a slight increase in summer infections but not a significant wave like that seen in winter. Lakoma mentioned that nearly 200 different respiratory viruses exist, and while there have been the highest numbers of cases involving COVID-19 and metapneumovirus, other viruses like RSV are not reported as frequently.
He concluded that the fall and winter months present favorable conditions for viruses due to increased indoor activities, and he anticipates a rise in COVID-19 cases in autumn. Vaccinations for vulnerable groups are expected to begin in late summer or early autumn.