Rising Workload for General Practitioners Amid Flu Season Peak
The flu season is in full swing, and general practitioners across the country are feeling the strain. according too the latest weekly report on respiratory infections from the Sciensano health institute, the number of GPs reporting a high or very high workload due to respiratory infections like the flu continues to climb.
in week three of this year (January 13–19), 69 percent of general practitioners indicated that they perceived their workload as high or very high, up from 59 percent the previous week. This trend highlights the growing pressure on healthcare providers as respiratory infections surge.
Flu Cases Stabilize but Remain High
The number of GP consultations for flu-like complaints remains stable at 644 per 100,000 inhabitants, compared to 654 in the previous week. While this suggests a potential plateau, the figures are still considerably elevated. “This may indicate that a (first) peak has now been reached,” the report notes.
Hospital admissions for the flu are also nearing the peaks of previous years, with 2 to 3 admissions per 1,000 inhabitants in week three. Meanwhile, the flu virus appears to be calming down in residential care centers, where cases dropped from 23 to 19 per 1,000 inhabitants.
Wastewater Analysis Reveals Persistent Viral Activity
Despite a slight decline in positive flu tests, the level of the virus detected in wastewater remains very high. This metric, which tracks viral shedding in communities, underscores the ongoing circulation of respiratory infections.
The coronavirus, on the other hand, is at a very low level in society. Sciensano reports low numbers of new cases, hospital admissions, and wastewater detection. Similarly, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shows a decrease in hospital admissions and positive tests, though it remains above the epidemic threshold.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Metric | Week 3 (Jan 13–19) | Week 2 (Jan 6–12) |
|———————————|————————|———————–|
| GP Consultations (per 100,000) | 644 | 654 |
| GP Workload (% high/very high) | 69% | 59% |
| Flu Cases in Care Centers | 19 per 1,000 | 23 per 1,000 |
| Hospital Admissions (Flu) | 2–3 per 1,000 | 2–3 per 1,000 |
Calls to Action for Healthcare Professionals
For healthcare professionals seeking detailed insights, Sciensano’s full report is available upon login. If you’re a journalist or wish to share facts, contact [email protected].
As the flu season progresses, the data underscores the importance of preventive measures and timely medical intervention.Stay informed and prepared to navigate this challenging period.
