The number of people in the Netherlands with respiratory complaints continues to rise. In addition to the coronavirus and the rhinovirus, the number of people with the flu virus is increasing. The RIVM also still sees people with pneumonia. These are caused, among other things, by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Do you have respiratory complaints? Follow the advice to spread these types of viruses and bacteria as little as possible. This also protects people who are at extra risk from a respiratory infection.
The severity of a respiratory infection can vary from a mild cold to a serious pneumonia. Some people can become seriously ill from a respiratory infection. The RS virus can be dangerous for very young children. With the coronavirus and the flu virus (influenza virus), the elderly and people with chronic diseases or serious immune disorders are particularly at risk. But sometimes people without a chronic illness or immune system disorders also suffer from long-term complaints from COVID-19. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and pneumococci are examples of bacteria that can cause serious respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.
Advice for respiratory complaints
Do you have complaints that are consistent with a respiratory infection? Follow the advice below. This way you help limit the spread of respiratory viruses and bacteria. And you protect people who are at extra risk from a respiratory infection.
* Are you ill? Stay at home.
* Are you not ill, but do you have complaints? Work from home if possible. Consult with your employer if necessary.
* Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
* Keep your distance from others.
* Avoid contact with people who could become seriously ill from a respiratory infection.
* Is contact still necessary (for example for informal care)? Wear a mouth-nose mask.
Good hygiene helps to limit the spread and can help prevent you from becoming ill yourself. Therefore, wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water and ventilate indoor areas.
Latest figures
In addition to the corona virus, RIVM also sees the number of people with the flu virus increasing. Last week, the number of people with flu-like complaints exceeded the limit for the first time, which indicates increased activity in general practices. In the Netherlands we speak of one flu epidemic if, for two weeks in a row, more than 56 out of 100,000 people visit their GP with flu-like complaints and from various sources it appears that more flu viruses are being found.
The number of people with pneumonia is also increasing. Especially in the age groups of 5-14 and 15-24 years. The RIVM monitors the development and spread of respiratory infections and publishes weekly latest figures on the website.
2023-12-25 18:30:00
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