Forty GP practices in the Netherlands will now also allow people who are tested for the flu to be tested for the presence of the new corona virus, health institutions Nivel and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported Monday.
According to a spokesperson for the RIVM, this involves forty monitoring stations throughout the Netherlands where flu tests are being conducted. Nivel and RIVM normally also keep track of the number of flu cases in the Netherlands. Tests for the corona virus are now being added.
The tests are performed as a precautionary measure. For example, the health institutions want to monitor whether the virus is circulating in the Netherlands. “It is important to start monitoring the new corona virus before the virus actually circulates in the Netherlands,” says Nivel.
However, there are currently no specific concerns that the corona virus will be signaled by the expansion. “As long as there is no outbreak, it is unlikely that the virus will be found,” the health institute says.
General practitioner informs GGD patient if infection occurs
In the event of an infection in a patient, the doctor will inform the GGD. In that case, RIVM and GGD can take measures faster to prevent spread.
The symptoms of the new corona virus can in many cases resemble those of the flu. In most cases, patients who have the flu report to the doctor with fever and respiratory symptoms.
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