Sciensano, Belgium’s scientific health institute, has declared a flu epidemic, based on the most recent figures, dating from week 49.
‘The flu epidemic has now really started, and the RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) epidemic is also continuing,’ says Yves Lafort, doctor and epidemiologist at Sciensano. The pressure on the health system is currently still under control, with values remaining low.
‘It was to be expected,’ virologist Marc Van Ranst told VRT NEWS. 'There was already an epidemic in neighbouring countries, and now we have also crossed the threshold. This means that the number of infections will continue to rise in the coming weeks. It also remains to be seen what the festive season will bring. People will be seeing each other more and spending time together indoors. That is ideal for transmitting viruses. So, make sure you ventilate properly and don't infect other people if you are ill yourself.'
‘There is no such thing as a mild flu’
‘We always take flu seriously. There is no such thing as a mild flu; when you have flu, you are seriously ill. In neighbouring countries, the United Kingdom and Spain, we are seeing a more virulent strain of flu, especially among the elderly. This strain is slightly different from the one that the vaccines protect us against. It can cause more severe illness, but that does not alter the fact that vaccination is still recommended.’
‘Medical risk groups are now well aware of their status. These are the same groups that were given priority for COVID-19 vaccinations: senior citizens and people with underlying health conditions. Yet only 50 per cent of people in these groups have been vaccinated, half of those who actually need it. We are unable to reach or convince the other half’ says virologist Van Ranst.