Annual Flu Epidemic Seems to Have Started

Flu Virus Rising Sharply

In various sources, experts from RIVM, Nivel, and Erasmus MC Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus University Medical Center) observe a sharp rise in the flu virus (influenza virus). General practitioners at the Nivel monitoring stations (external link) (opens in a new window) take throat and nasal samples from a portion of their patients with flu-like symptoms. In 68% of the samples examined, the flu virus was indeed found. The week before, this was 58%. Laboratories also report that the percentage of samples with the flu virus is rising (21.3% compared to 18.2% the week before). Finally, participants in Infectieradar (external link) (opens in a new window), who send in a throat and nasal sample when experiencing respiratory symptoms, are more likely to have flu. Last week, 14.1% of the samples contained the flu virus. The week before, this was 13.7%. Different types of flu virus are being found. Especially influenza virus type A(H1N1)pdm09 and type A(H3N2), but also influenza virus type B are present. These three types are also included in the vaccine.  

More People with Flu-like Symptoms

The number of people visiting their general practitioner with flu-like symptoms (an influenza-like illness, IAZ influenza-like illness (influenza-like illness))  has risen to 58 per 100,000 inhabitants. The week before, this was 52 per 100,000 inhabitants. Although this is the first week above the threshold value (external link) (opens in a new window) for increased activity at (53 per 100,000) (external link) (opens in a new window), the flu epidemic seems to have started. The number of people with flu-like symptoms is rising rapidly and we see that the flu virus is spreading in more and more sources.  

Flu and Other Respiratory Infections

In addition to the flu virus, other viruses are circulating that can cause acute respiratory complaints, such as the RS virus Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). All these viruses cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in the airways. This leads to symptoms such as a blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat. Flu (influenza) often progresses more severely. The illness often begins 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 getting a respiratory infection. However, with the following general advice, you can reduce the chance of spreading the virus to someone else:  

• Are you sick? Stay home.
• Are you 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 could become seriously ill from a respiratory infection.
• If contact is necessary (for example, during caregiving), wear a face mask.

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