Is Flu Season Here? The Netherlands Braces for a Potential Epidemic
Table of Contents
- 1. Is Flu Season Here? The Netherlands Braces for a Potential Epidemic
- 2. A Ticking Time Bomb
- 3. A Multifaceted Threat
- 4. what are the criteria for declaring a flu epidemic in the Netherlands?
- 5. Is Flu Season Here? The netherlands Braces for a Potential Epidemic
- 6. A Ticking Time Bomb
- 7. Ted van Essen
- 8. Ted van Essen
- 9. Ted van Essen
- 10. Ted van Essen
- 11. Ted van Essen
- 12. Ted van Essen
The flu is making its rounds, leaving many feeling miserable. While it’s not quite an official epidemic yet, health experts predict that the Netherlands is heading in that direction.
Daantje (26) from Limburg thought she would be spared this year. “I thought I’d be fine this year,” she says. Her mother had caught the flu, experiencing the classic symptoms: sniffles, chills, and a fever. Daantje, however, stayed healthy until last Friday. “Until I woke up a day later, also with snot, also chills.I’ll never say somthing like that again, eh.”
Her fever spiked to 38.5 degrees,even reaching 40 at times. ”Everything my mother got, I got a day later. It really is a severe flu,” she explains.
A Ticking Time Bomb
Ted van Essen,a flu expert and chairman of the dutch Immunization Foundation, acknowledges the increasing number of flu cases but cautions against jumping to conclusions. “It’s still too early to say if this year’s virus will be more severe,” he states. “We can only truly assess that once the flu wave has passed.” While it’s too soon to officially declare an epidemic, Van Essen emphasizes, “We are well on our way.”
An epidemic is officially declared when more than 53 per 100,000 Dutch people visit their doctor with flu-like symptoms for two consecutive weeks. Furthermore, the influenza virus must be detected in a significant number of patients.
Recent data suggests the Netherlands is approaching this threshold. According to the Nivel, a research center for healthcare, for the past week, more than 53 per 100,000 people have visited their general practitioner with flu symptoms. The Dutch Association for Clinical Geriatrics (NVKG) also reported that elderly wards throughout the country are nearing capacity.
A Multifaceted Threat
While the influenza virus is causing concern,it’s not the only culprit circulating this winter.Other viruses, such as the RS virus, norovirus, common cold viruses, and even COVID-19, are also making the rounds. Although COVID-19 cases have decreased compared to the autumn months, Van Essen reminds us, “we’re still seeing it, just to a lesser extent.”
Yvonne (55) from Gelderland, provides a stark example of COVID-19’s continued presence. Despite taking precautions, she unexpectedly tested positive. “I was quite shocked,” she admits. “it was a moment of realization: oh yes, that is still possible.”
Yvonne reflects on the experience, saying, ”I really feel like shit, if I may put it into words. It’s been two weeks today since it started.I really think every time: pffff, how long will this last?” Her words highlight the ongoing impact of these various viruses on people’s lives.
The flu season can be brutal, leaving even the most resilient feeling knocked down for the count. For some, like Yvonne and Daantje, a recent bout of influenza has them questioning their usual stamina.
“I feel really terrible and it just keeps getting worse,” Yvonne describes, her voice lacking its usual energy. “It’s not getting any better. I’ve been trying to work from home a little, but it’s honestly just not feasible.” The usual suspects are wreaking havoc: a persistent cough, a runny nose, a complete lack of appetite, and an overwhelming fatigue. “Even walking up the stairs takes so much effort. I feel like I’m hoisting myself from the couch to the bed and back again. I’m normally always so active, it’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.”
daantje echoes the sentiment, admitting she’s usually immune to such prolonged illness. “I’m never really sick,” she shares, “certainly not for this long. At most, I’d get a cold that lasts a few days. This is wholly unusual for me.”
Dr. Van Essen, a flu expert, can shed some light on this very real feeling. “Every year, half a million people in our country contract the influenza virus. If you’re healthy, there’s approximately a 7 percent chance you’ll get it, meaning it’s possible to go fifteen years without getting sick.” She explains, “If this happens after such a long time, it’s understandable to feel like you’re struck terribly. However, you might have already had the flu fifteen years ago and simply forgotten.”
Dr. Van Essen adds that once someone has had the influenza virus, they often enjoy a period of immunity, usually lasting for several years. “Interestingly, having contracted one specific strain can even reduce your susceptibility to other viruses that cause flu-like symptoms for a while. We’re still figuring out the exact mechanism behind this.” She emphasizes that people almost never get infected with multiple viruses at once.
Preventing influenza can be tricky, according to Dr. Van Essen.”Eating fruit won’t necessarily help, and there’s no need to isolate yourself completely.” She emphasizes the importance of hydration, “Fever can dehydrate you, so make sure you’re urinating enough.”
When it comes to fluids, dr. Van Essen says it doesn’t matter what you choose: “Tea, water, lemonade, all work well.” Just avoid alcohol as it dehydrates, and obviously smoking is never an excellent idea.
“Taking one or two paracetamol can definitely help with muscle aches. That always works for me,” Dr.Van Essen advises. “The key is to rest and indulge a little – pamper yourself.”
Yvonne and Daantje are taking Dr. Van Essen’s advice to heart. Yvonne describes her days as a blur of naps and minimal activity, while Daantje has temporarily paused her online store, dedicating her energy to resting and recuperating. “I’m still delivering packages,” Daantje shares, “but only on a limited basis. Mostly, I’m just on the couch with a cup of tea. Hopefully, this will pass soon.”
what are the criteria for declaring a flu epidemic in the Netherlands?
Is Flu Season Here? The netherlands Braces for a Potential Epidemic
A Ticking Time Bomb
Ted van essen, a flu expert and chairman of the Dutch Immunization Foundation, joins us today to discuss the increasing number of flu cases in the Netherlands and what it means for the country. Dr. Van Essen, are we facing a potential flu epidemic?
Ted van Essen
:
We’re certainly seeing a significant rise in flu cases right now.It’s too early to definitively call it an epidemic, as we need to meet specific criteria for that declaration. But based on the current trajectory, we are well on our way.
What are these criteria, and how close are we to meeting them?
Ted van Essen
:
An official flu epidemic is declared when more than 53 people per 100,000 visit their doctor with flu-like symptoms for two consecutive weeks, and those patients test positive for the influenza virus.
Recent data from Nivel, a healthcare research center, shows this threshold has already been crossed for the last week.
What does this mean for those who haven’t yet been hit?
Ted van Essen
:
It means being vigilant and taking preventive measures. Practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when feeling unwell, and considering getting vaccinated against the flu are crucial steps. It’s not too late to get vaccinated, and it can still offer some protection.
What advice woudl you give to those who do contract the flu?
Ted van Essen
:
Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications like paracetamol can definitely help alleviate symptoms. Avoid alcohol and smoking, as these can dehydrate the body. Remember, it’s significant not to spread the virus by staying home and covering your coughs and sneezes.
With other viruses like the RS virus and COVID-19 also circulating,how can people best protect themselves during this challenging time?
Ted van Essen
:
Similar preventive measures apply to all these viruses.Washing hands frequently with soap and water,avoiding close contact with sick individuals,and staying informed about local health guidance are essential.
What’s the single most important thing you’d like our readers to take away from this interview?
Ted van Essen
:
Don’t underestimate the flu. it’s not just a mild inconvenience; it can lead to serious complications, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Stay informed, stay prepared, and protect yourself and your loved ones.
