
There are many cases of flu in the Netherlands. The flu virus has increasingly been found in nose and throat samples taken from people with flu-like symptoms. The number of people contacting the GP with these symptoms has also been rising sharply in recent weeks. The annual flu epidemic seems to have started.
Significant rise in viral influenza
In various sources, experts from RIVM, Nivel and Erasmus MC are seeing a significant rise in viral influenza (flu). GPs at the Nivel monitoring stations are taking nose and throat samples from some of their patients who have flu-like symptoms. 68% of the samples that were tested did in fact involved in flu virus, compared to 58% in the week before that. Laboratories in the Netherlands are also reported an increase in the percentage of samples containing the flu virus (21.3% compared to 18.2% in the previous week). Finally, there was also an increase in flu among people participating in the Infection Radar survey who sent in a nose and throat sample if they had respiratory symptoms. The flu virus was found in 14.1% of the samples last week, compared to 13.7% in the week before that. Various types of influenza have been found. Most were influenza virus type A(H1N1)pdm09 and type A(H3N2), but there have also been cases involving influenza virus type B. These three types are also in the seasonal flu vaccine.
More people with flu-like symptoms
The number of people contacting the GP with flu-like symptoms has risen to 58 in 100,000 inhabitants of the Netherlands, compared to 52 in 100,000 inhabitants in the week before that. Although this is the first week that influenza figures have risen above the threshold for increased activity (53 in 100,000), the flu epidemic does seem to have started. The number of people with flu-like symptoms is rising quickly and more and more sources show that the flu virus is circulating.
Flu and other respiratory infections
Besides influenza, there are other viruses circulating that can cause acute respiratory symptoms, such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All these viruses cause inflammation of the mucous membranes in your respiratory system (nose, mouth and airways). Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing and sore throat. Flu (influenza) often causes a more serious course of illness. It often starts suddenly with cold chills, runny nose, headache, muscle pain and fever. The fever can reach 39°C or higher within 12 hours and usually lasts for 3 to 5 days.
What to do if you have symptoms
You cannot completely avoid getting flu or another respiratory infection. These recommendations can help you reduce the risk of passing it to others:
- Stay home if you are ill.
- If your symptoms are mild, talk to your employer about whether you can work from home.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Keep your distance from others.
- Avoid contact with people who could become seriously ill from a respiratory infection.
- If you cannot avoid contact (for example because you are providing informal care), wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose.
Good hygiene helps prevent the spread and can help you avoid infection. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and ensure a good flow of fresh air in indoor spaces.