Annual Flu Epidemic Appears to Have Started

Flu Virus Rises Sharply

Experts from RIVM, Nivel, and Erasmus MC Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus University Medical Center) observe a significant rise in the flu virus (influenza virus) from various sources. Doctors at Nivel monitoring stations (external link) (opens in a new window) take throat and nasal samples from some of their patients with flu-like symptoms. In 68% of the tested samples, the flu virus was present, up from 58% the week before. Laboratories also report an increase in samples containing the flu virus (21.3% compared to 18.2% the previous week). Finally, participants in Infectieradar (external link) (opens in a new window), who send in throat and nasal samples when experiencing respiratory complaints, are also showing higher rates of flu. Last week, 14.1% of the samples contained the flu virus, compared to 13.7% the week before. Various types of flu virus are being found, especially influenza virus type A(H1N1)pdm09 and type A(H3N2), as well as influenza virus type B. These three types are also included in the vaccine.  

More People with Flu-like Symptoms

The number of people visiting their doctor with flu-like symptoms (an influenza-like illness, IAZ influenza-like illness (influenza-like illness))  has risen to 58 per 100,000 inhabitants. The previous week, it was 52 per 100,000 inhabitants. Although this is the first week above the threshold (external link) (opens in a new window) for increased activity (53 per 100,000) (external link) (opens in a new window), it seems the flu epidemic has indeed begun. The number of people with flu-like complaints is rising quickly, and we see the flu virus circulating in more sources.  

Flu and Other Respiratory Infections

In addition to the flu virus, other viruses are also circulating that can cause acute respiratory symptoms, such as the RS virus Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). All these viruses cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in the airways, leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. The flu (influenza) often progresses more severely. The illness typically starts suddenly with chills, runny nose, headache, muscle pain, and fever. This fever can rise to 39°C or higher within twelve hours and usually lasts three to five days.

Advice for Symptoms

You cannot completely prevent a respiratory infection. However, you can reduce the chance of spreading the virus to others with the following general advice:  

• Are you sick? Stay home.
• If you are not sick but have symptoms, work from home if possible. Consult your employer if necessary.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
• Keep your distance from others.
• Avoid contact with people who may become seriously ill from a respiratory infection.
• If contact is necessary (for example, in caregiving), wear a face mask.

Good hygiene helps limit the spread and can prevent you from getting sick yourself. Therefore, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water and ventilate indoor spaces.