"Flu epidemics usually start in garrisons. It will be interesting to see how inoculating servicemen will affect the spread of influenza," said Risto Pietikäinen, chief of infectious diseases in Kymenlaakso, southeastern Finland.
Studies have shown that conscripts spread the flu around the country when on leave.
The influenza vaccine is also available free of charge to young children, pregnant women, people over 65 and others with compromised immune systems.
"More or less everyone can get the free jab by the end of the year," Pietikäinen said.
This year’s influenza is expected to be similar to the H3N2 virus seen last season.
According to infectious disease expert Pietikäinen, it’s still too early to say when exactly the flu epidemic will hit Finland.
”It doesn't usually strike before the Christmas holidays. Sometimes it hits in mid-January or even during the ski holidays in February.”
Seasonal flu symptoms include a long-running fever, dry cough and achy muscles. Unlike symptoms of a common cold, flu symptoms don't include a runny nose.
