The flu epidemic that started in mid-March 2022 is over. After that peak, the number of people with flu has fallen sharply in recent weeks, conclude experts from RIVM, Erasmus MC and Nivel. A flu virus is found much less often in the throat and nose samples of people with flu-like symptoms. This is reported by the RIVM.
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epidemic of influenza usually begins in December or January. It is probably due to the measures against the spread of the coronavirus that applied until the beginning of 2022. These measures also work against the spread of the flu virus. The flu epidemic lasted about 13 weeks. That is longer than the 9 weeks that a flu epidemic lasts on average in the Netherlands. Although the current flu season is difficult to compare with the flu seasons before due to the corona pandemic.
Flu shot worked better than expected
The flu shot given last season turned out to work better than expected. Preliminary data showed that the vaccine offered 36 percent protection against infection with the flu virus type A. In the Netherlands, type A (AH3N2) was most common last flu season. The effectiveness of the jab against specifically that type was 35 percent. These percentages relate to the protection against an infection with flu in patients who visit their GP for this.
Preventing the flu
Although the flu epidemic is now over, there are still people who get the flu. Influenza viruses are highly contagious and are mainly spread through coughing and sneezing. By regularly washing your hands, coughing and sneezing into your elbow, and by keeping your distance, you reduce the chance that you will transmit the virus to others. Keep this in mind, especially in contact with vulnerable groups of people, the experts advise. Vulnerable people can become seriously ill from the flu virus.
By: National Care Guide
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