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Of: Indra Nordemar
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The Swedish Public Health Agency has previously stated that asymptomatic infection, where you get infected without symptoms, is of no consequence.
But according to Fredrik Elgh, professor of virology and clinical microbiology, that information is incorrect.
– The fact that we have not accepted the asymptomatic infection is a big reason why we have had such a great social spread, he says.
“Based on the experience of covid-19 and other similar diseases, the assessment is that the spread of infection from people without symptoms represents a small proportion,” writes the Swedish Public Health Agency on its website.
But Fredrik Elgh believes that the FHM underestimates the spread of covid-19 in asymptomatic people, that is, those who are asymptomatically infected.
– It is as serious as any other infection. Asymptomatic infected people can carry as many viruses as those with symptoms and can also be super-spreading.
Great reason for infection in the care of the elderly.
Just over a month ago, Lars Engstrand, a professor at the National Pandemic Center, conducted a survey of staff in Stockholm’s nursing homes. The study showed that 4.4 percent of the staff carried the virus without any symptoms, and half of them never had any symptoms.
– It is probably an important part of the spread of infection in society and most likely one of the main reasons for infection in the care of the elderly, says Fredrik Elgh.
What steps should we take?
– Accepted this route of transmission that was already well known during the Wuhan outbreak. Informed based on this. The use of mouth guard is recommended where there are many people.
– The fact that we have not accepted asymptomatic infection is one of the main reasons why we have had such a great diffusion in society.
Difficult to study asymptomatic
However, Agnes Wold, a professor of clinical bacteriology, believes that it is difficult to know if a person has been completely symptom free.
– Covid disease is extremely variable and some may have symptoms that you may not understand are symptoms of infection, such as headaches, roughness, muscle aches, nausea, and more. Therefore, it is very difficult to know how many are actually completely symptom free.
For natural reasons, it is also difficult to study completely asymptomatic people.
– Since you never know who is contagious, it is of course important to stay away from everyone. That’s what has been said all along, says Agnes Wold.
Photo: ADAM IHSE / TT
Agnes Wold, a Swedish doctor and professor of clinical bacteriology at the Sahlgrenska Academy of the University of Gothenburg.
“Very unhappy with the mouth guards”
Unlike many other infection control authorities in the world, the Swedish Public Health Agency has denied asymptomatic infection, says Fredrik Elgh.
– I personally spoke with Sara Byfors earlier this year about the importance of asymptomatic infection and then got the answer that FHM was not believed, says Fredrik Elgh.
Elgh believes that the Swedish Public Health Agency has been incorrect and unclear in its statements, and that the non-existent recommendations on oral protection are a mistake.
– It has gotten very unfortunate about mouth guards that are very important to use in crowded contexts and small air spaces.
According to Elgh, the Swedish Public Health Agency has downplayed all the scientific literature that talks about the use of oral protection, which becomes more important due to asymptomatic infection.
– Sometimes it has been said that those who want to can use mouth guards, but the FHM does not have information in Swedish and they have spoken of this in very negative terms.
– It is important to note that the WHO, ECDC, CDC and 170 countries around the world want or have forced the use of mouth guards in public contexts. But not Sweden. Still.
Aftonbladet has applied for Sara Byfors and the Public Health Agency.
New guidelines
In Västa Götaland, the use of mouth guards is recommended in case of congestion. In Stockholm, all healthcare professionals must wear mouth guards.
Starting on January 7, when many return to work and school, the Swedish Public Health Agency will develop new guidelines regarding the use of mouth guards in public transport and outside of medical care.
More stringent measures can be expected from January 10 next year, and those who violate the restrictions may risk fines, fines or the closure of a business.
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