Belgium Flu Epidemic Declared Over: 10 Essential Facts About the Flu Vaccine

2024-03-27 17:40:00

The flu epidemic is over in Belgium, the National Institute of Public Health Sciensano reported on Wednesday. The number of patients who went to the doctor for flu symptoms is below the epidemic threshold for the fourth consecutive week.

According to Sciensano, the number of patients who consulted a doctor for flu symptoms decreased once more last week. The incidence now stands at 62 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants. “The seasonal flu epidemic is therefore considered to be over,” Sciensano wrote in his weekly bulletin.

Flu vaccine: ten essential things to know

“We had already fallen below the epidemic threshold at the end of February, but we must remain below the epidemic threshold for two weeks before the epidemic is considered to be over,” explained virologist Steven Van Gucht. “Last week there was a small surge close to the epidemic threshold, which is why we mightn’t declare the end of the epidemic at that time. But I think we can now say that It’s finished.”

According to Mr. Van Gucht, the virus will continue to circulate for a few weeks, but most of the flu activity has passed.

This winter’s flu epidemic was of average intensity, but lasted 11 weeks, which is relatively long. Typically, a seasonal flu epidemic in our country lasts 6 to 12 weeks.

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