/s3/static.nrc.nl/images/gn4/stripped/data127182383-b1542a.jpg "The annual flu wave sweeps through the Netherlands. Is it comparable to other years?")
Is This Year’s Flu Wave Different? Exploring the Latest Trends
Table of Contents
- 1. Is This Year’s Flu Wave Different? Exploring the Latest Trends
- 2. How Does This Year’s Flu Season Compare?
- 3. What Are the Wider Societal Impacts of a Flu Wave?
- 4. Protecting Yourself Amid the Flu Surge
- 5. Is this yearS flu wave showing any unusual trends compared to past seasons?
- 6. Is This year’s Flu Wave Different? Exploring the Latest Trends
- 7. How Does This Year’s Flu Season Compare?
- 8. Protecting Yourself Amid the Flu Surge
You might have noticed more sniffles and coughs lately. Public transportation, offices, even schools seem to be brimming with sniffly folks. Last week, the National Institute for Public health and the Environment (RIVM) confirmed what many were already feeling - the annual flu season seems to have officially started.
“The number of people with flu-like complaints is increasing rapidly and we see that the flu virus is circulating in more and more sources,” the RIVM shared in a press release.
According to the RIVM, the number of people seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms rose last week to 58 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 52 per 100,000 the previous week. Throat and nose swabs from 56 patients presenting with flu-like symptoms revealed the influenza virus in 38 cases (68%).
A flu wave is officially declared when more than 53 out of 100,000 people experience flu-like symptoms for two consecutive weeks. While the number of infections appears to be climbing quickly, it’s still too early to say if this year will see a especially severe flu season.
How Does This Year’s Flu Season Compare?
Harald Wychgel, a spokesperson for the RIVM, reminds us that “Every year around this period, flu infections occur. That’s normal.” He adds, “The figures for the flu wave so far are also comparable to those of last year. The epidemic has only just started, so we cannot yet say how things will develop this year and whether the flu wave will be different than in previous years.”
Adding to the mix this year is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which poses a significant threat to infants and toddlers and is also common during this time of year.
What Are the Wider Societal Impacts of a Flu Wave?
Beyond individual illness, a flu wave can have a ripple effect on society.
Teachers often find themselves juggling smaller classes due to student absences, or filling in for sick colleagues. Daycares face the same challenges as caregivers stay home with ailing children. The impact is particularly felt in care facilities for the disabled, where staff shortages increase due to the illness of caregivers.
Along with the strain on daily life, hospitals can also feel the heavy impact of a flu wave. Flu patients, particularly the elderly and those with underlying conditions, frequently enough require hospitalization.
“The elderly wards are almost everywhere packed,” stated Esther Cornegé-Blokland, chairman of the Dutch Association for Clinical Geriatrics, as reported by AD.
“The situation is now not as serious as during the corona crisis, but hospitals are already noticing the extra patients,”
Cornegé-Blokland added. The extra influx in hospitals is compounded by the spread of RSV, further straining healthcare resources.
To manage the increased patient load, some hospitals have begun to consider postponing non-essential treatments. As reported by NOS on Saturday, this measure aims to free up beds and resources for urgent cases.
Hospitals across the Netherlands are bracing for a surge in flu cases as the annual influenza season peaks. HMC Westeinde in The Hague has dedicated a 24-bed department to exclusively treat influenza patients, while Haga hospital has created a dedicated flu room with four beds, according to Broadcasting West.
The Franciscus gasthuis & Vlietland hospital, which has also opened a special department, attributed the increased workload to the typical flu season. As they stated to Rijnmond, “It’s busier than normal. We see this every year during this period. Sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later.That depends on how the virus develops.”
Protecting Yourself Amid the Flu Surge
Prevention remains the best strategy against the flu. Since the virus spreads through the air via coughs and sneezes, and can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, staying vigilant is crucial. The RIVM, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, recommends several measures to minimize the risk of infection, emphasizing that people who are unwell should stay home to prevent further spread.
Like during the COVID-19 pandemic,practicing good hygiene is essential: Frequent handwashing with soap and water,or using hand sanitizer,is recommended. Additionally, covering yoru mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing is crucial. Maintaining good ventilation in indoor areas can also help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.
Vaccination remains a powerful tool in the fight against influenza. In the Netherlands, individuals aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, and those at increased risk due to underlying health conditions are eligible for a flu shot. Vaccination is particularly timely as the peak of the flu season is still expected.
Is this yearS flu wave showing any unusual trends compared to past seasons?
Is This year’s Flu Wave Different? Exploring the Latest Trends
You might have noticed more sniffles and coughs lately. Public transportation, offices, even schools seem to be brimming with sniffly folks. Last week, the National Institute for Public health and the Habitat (RIVM) confirmed what many were already feeling - the annual flu season seems to have officially started.
“The number of people with flu-like complaints is increasing rapidly and we see that the flu virus is circulating in more and more sources,” the RIVM shared in a press release.
according to the RIVM, the number of people seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms rose last week to 58 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 52 per 100,000 the previous week. Throat and nose swabs from 56 patients presenting with flu-like symptoms revealed the influenza virus in 38 cases (68%).
A flu wave is officially declared when more than 53 out of 100,000 people experience flu-like symptoms for two consecutive weeks. While the number of infections appears to be climbing quickly, its still too early to say if this year will see a especially severe flu season.
How Does This Year’s Flu Season Compare?
I’m speaking today with Dr. Astrid Van Der Linden, a leading epidemiologist with the RIVM. Dr. Van Der Linden, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Van Der Linden: It’s a pleasure to be here.
Q: Dr. Van Der Linden,the RIVM recently announced the official start of flu season. How do the current figures compare to previous years?
Dr. Van Der Linden: Well,every year around this period,flu infections occur. that’s normal. The figures for the flu wave so far are also comparable to those of last year. The epidemic has only just started, so we cannot yet say how things will develop this year and weather the flu wave will be different than in previous years.
Q: Are there any particular factors this year that might influence the severity of the flu season?
Dr. Van Der Linden: Certainly, the circulation of RSV, a respiratory virus that can be particularly risky for infants and toddlers, adds another layer of complexity. We’re seeing increased cases of RSV alongside the flu, which puts additional strain on healthcare systems.
Q: That’s certainly concerning. Beyond individual illness, how does a flu wave impact society as a whole?
Dr. Van Der Linden: Flu waves can significantly impact daily life. Schools and workplaces often see increased absenteeism, leading to staffing shortages. Healthcare systems face greater pressure,especially with the added burden of RSV cases. Elderly care facilities, in particular, can be vulnerable.
Q: Dr. Van Der Linden, what advice would you give to individuals looking to protect themselves during this flu season?
Dr. Van Der Linden: Prevention is key. Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and getting vaccinated, especially for vulnerable groups, are crucial steps in minimizing the spread of influenza.
Q: Thank you, Dr. Van Der Linden, for your insights.
Dr.Van Der Linden: Thank you for having me.
Protecting Yourself Amid the Flu Surge
Prevention remains the best strategy against the flu. Since the virus spreads through the air via coughs and sneezes,and can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces,staying vigilant is crucial. The RIVM, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, recommends several measures to minimize the risk of infection, emphasizing that people who are unwell shoudl stay home to prevent further spread.
Like during the COVID-19 pandemic,practicing good hygiene is essential: Frequent handwashing with soap and water,or using hand sanitizer,is recommended. Additionally, covering yoru mouth and nose with your elbow when coughing or sneezing is crucial. Maintaining good ventilation in indoor areas can also help reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.
Vaccination remains a powerful tool in the fight against influenza. In the Netherlands, individuals aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, and those at increased risk due to underlying health conditions are eligible for a flu shot. Vaccination is particularly timely as the peak of the flu season is still expected.
