The H1N1 virus – also known as swine flu – is spreading fast through the capital area, and it is estimated that 1 in 500 who catch it will need to be hospitalized.
According to RÚV, the national hospital does not yet have a special ward for those who catch it, but patients rather are spread out through different regions of the hospital. Confirmed cases of the flu have nearly doubled ever week for the past three weeks.
In total, 60 have thus far been hospitalized, while 3,660 have been identified as having displayed symptoms of the flu. There has been one fatality; an 18-year-old girl with multiple disabilities.
It is possible to be vaccinated for the swine flu in Iceland, and many employers are offering shots for their staff. It is also possible to contact hospitals or health centres and ask to book an appointment to receive the injection, although it will cost a few thousand crowns out of pocket, and availability is limited.