COVID-19: Dr. Nele Brusselaers Discusses the Unfortunate Case of Sweden
Dr. Nele Brusselaers joins Dr. Kevin Kavanagh on the Jack Pattie Show. Dr. Brusselaers discusses her observations regarding the COVID-19 response in Sweden. Dr. Brusselaers felt that early on Sweden did not prepare for the pandemic and was spreading disinformation. Only later did Swedish officials admit the virus was airborne. The main message was to wash your hands but for an airborne infection this strategy will not be protective against infection. Sweden was one of the last to recommend face masks. Sweden is a huge country with a population of 10 million. Thus, the population is not concentrated which should aid in control of infectious disease.

Sweden gained worldwide attention since they were promoting their strategy from the start, but they were not transparent on what was actually happening, There were emails from officials stating children could be used to reach herd immunity. And at the same time publicly stating kids do not get infected.

It was known that young children could spread SARS-CoV-2 and can also become ill. Children can become very sick and be hospitalized. Children do end up in the ICU. Mortality is very low but children can develop Long COVID. The upper high schools with children older than 16 yrs and colleges were closed and distance learning was utilized. Young children were in school, but parents or teachers were not notified if there were cases of COVID-19 in their schools.

Opening of schools is a priority. Simple measures can reduce the risk. Vaccinations are key, as is placing children in bubbles or cohorting so they are just in contact with a limited number of children. Ventilation and holding classes outside can also make the school safer. Jack Pattie Show. Oct. 7, 2022
 
Evaluation of science advice during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Nature. Mar. 22, 2022.  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-022-01097-5