The Netherlands is experiencing a surge in flu cases, putting a strain on hospitals and disrupting daily life. Coughs, sniffles, and fever are commonplace, leading to overflowing emergency rooms and canceled appointments.
“We notice that it is indeed busy,” says Yara Basta, chairman of the Dutch Association for Emergency Physicians. Hospitals are forced to scale back planned care, postponing various treatments.
“These are people who undergo non-life-saving interventions, such as a new knee,” Basta explains. “But also consider interventions that require a stay in the ICU afterwards.” While the exact number of canceled patients remains unclear, the situation paints a concerning picture.Schools are also grappling with the impact of the flu, struggling to maintain schedules as students fall ill. Experts are calling for increased public awareness and facts about the virus.
The widespread flu outbreak highlights the importance of preventative measures, such as vaccination and frequent handwashing, to mitigate the spread of the virus.
the Netherlands is facing a surge in flu cases, leading to a heavy strain on healthcare systems.
The RIVM and Nivel agencies have concluded that the annual flu epidemic seems to have started earlier this year. Dr. Cornegé-Blokland, chairman of the Dutch Association for Clinical Geriatrics, describes the situation as a “simmering crisis.” He explains, “We have scarcity anyway — too few staff, too much demand — and with a peak like this, the bucket in elderly care quickly overflows. Patients can still be helped, but it is indeed under pressure. For example, they cannot always more often end up in the right department. And patients can hardly move on from the hospital, because it is also busy in other places in elderly care.”
Hospital emergency rooms are reporting a meaningful increase in patients, mirroring the trends seen last year. While the elderly are more vulnerable, a surge in cases across all age groups is putting a strain on resources.
To manage the influx of patients, various hospitals have implemented dedicated departments for flu patients. The Haaglanden MC in The Hague opened a 24-bed unit, and the Haga Hospital in The Hague has set aside four beds for flu patients. similarly, the Isala hospitals in Zwolle and Meppel have also allocated four beds for those suffering from the flu.
Schools are also experiencing the impact of the viral surge. Ivonne de bondt, director of Sterrenschool primary school in Hilversum, reports a high number of sick students and teachers. “Four of the twelve teachers are ill, so I have to fill in as teacher for groups 5 and 6,” she says, adding, “38 children are currently ill.That is much more than normal.”
The combination of the flu virus and the RSV virus, which especially affects babies but can also lead to hospitalizations for the elderly, is contributing to the heavier-than-usual workload for healthcare providers. The situation highlights the importance of preventative measures, such as vaccination and hand hygiene, to mitigate the spread of these contagious illnesses.
Staying Healthy This Season: Simple Steps for a Strong Defense
Respiratory infections are a common concern, especially during colder months. While it’s impossible to fully avoid them, there are practical steps we can take to minimize their spread and protect ourselves.
The Dutch Immunization Foundation, under the guidance of chairman Ted van Essen, has highlighted the effectiveness of these basic preventative measures, emphasizing their continued relevance beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. “These advices helped enormously with corona,” he states. “Those advices are now just as useful, and more attention should be paid to that.”
If you’re feeling unwell, prioritize staying home to avoid infecting others.
If you have mild symptoms but still need to work, consider working remotely if possible.
Practise good respiratory etiquette by coughing and sneezing into your elbow.
Maintain a safe distance from others to reduce the risk of transmission.
Limit contact with individuals who are more vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory infections.
If close contact is unavoidable, such as providing informal care, wear a mouth-nose mask as an additional precaution.
Good hygiene practices play a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections.Regularly washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water and ensuring adequate ventilation in indoor spaces are essential habits to incorporate.
Health expert Basta underscores the importance of remembering these basic rules. “I have not yet seen any public information,” she observes. ”It is good to emphasize that the basic rules still apply. For example, remember to wear a face mask when you visit your sick grandmother.”
don’t forget the flu shot. It remains a vital tool for protecting yourself and those around you. Van Essen reminds us, “There are always people who forget to respond to the call for a flu shot. Know that you can still go to your doctor to get the shot. The epidemic is probably not at its peak yet,so it can still make a difference if the people who have already been invited will still get the shot.”
How are healthcare workers coping with the increased stress and workload due to the surge in flu cases?
Hospitals Grapple with Flu Surge: An Interview with Dr.Yara Basta
The Netherlands is facing a heavy surge in flu cases, posing a meaningful challenge to the healthcare system. Dr. Yara Basta, chairman of the dutch Association for Emergency Physicians, sheds light on the situation and its impact on hospitals.
Archyde: Dr. Basta, the Netherlands is experiencing a significant rise in flu cases. Can you describe the current situation in emergency rooms?
Dr. Basta: Absolutely. We are definitely seeing a surge in flu patients across the country. Emergency rooms are overflowing, and many individuals with non-life-threatening conditions are facing lengthy wait times.
Archyde: What specific measures are hospitals taking to manage the influx of patients?
Dr. Basta: Hospitals are working tirelessly to cope with the increased demand.Some have designated specific departments for flu patients, while others are prioritizing urgent cases. Sadly, we’re also seeing the postponement of elective procedures, which means individuals who require non-emergency interventions like knee replacements or surgeries requiring ICU care are facing delays.
Archyde: This rise in flu cases coupled with the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic must be putting immense pressure on healthcare workers. How are they coping?
Dr. Basta: It’s undeniably a challenging time for our healthcare professionals. They’re working long hours,dealing with a high volume of patients,and grappling with ongoing staffing shortages. Their dedication and resilience are truly remarkable, but support and resources are crucial to ensure they can continue providing quality care.
Archyde: What message would you like to convey to the public regarding flu prevention and staying healthy during this time?
Dr. Basta: The most important thing is to stay vigilant. Practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing. Consider getting the flu shot if you haven’t already. If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home to avoid spreading the virus. Let’s all do our part to protect ourselves and those around us.
Archyde: Thank you, dr. Basta, for your insights.
Do you have any personal tips for staying healthy during this flu season? Share them in the comments below!
