For few weeks now, the number of flu infections has been on the rise. "A flu epidemic has been underway since the end of last year," says virologist Steven Van Gucht. He expects the number of infections to increase in coming weeks but hopes the Flemish spring break will bring solace. On a more positive note, the number of COVID infections fell in recent weeks.
The latest report from science health institute Sciensano shows a surge in patients consulting their GPs with flu symptoms last week. GPs saw 537 patients with symptoms per 100,000 population, up from 331 a week earlier.
"The epidemic threshold was exceeded several weeks ago" says Steven Van Gucht. "The level of flu cases is high, but I expect the number to go even higher in the next two weeks. You can see it clearly: a lot of people are sick at the moment."
Prof Van Gucht expects the Flemish spring break, which starts on 12 February, to bring improvement. Holidays traditionally act as an inhibitor to the spread of the flu virus because that is when there is generally a reduction in human contacts. "I hope the tide will indeed turn then" says the virologist.
The number of COVID infections is now on a downward trajectory, after there was a flare-up in the number of corona cases in December. According to Prof Van Gucht, COVID infections have stabilised. The Sciensano report also shows that the number of RSV infections remains stable.