Medicalfacts Editorial / Janine Budding October 10, 2023 – 8:20 PM
The Dutch Influenza Foundation warns that the Netherlands underestimates the severity and size of risk groups for respiratory infections, such as COVID-19, influenza and the RS virus. With this he opens the National Flu Shot Day Symposium in The Hague at the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Not only the elderly (60+) and people with known respiratory or lung problems, but also people with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or obesity are at significant risk. It is striking that almost half of the respondents do not know that these risk groups have an increased risk of mortality from respiratory infections. However, the majority of vulnerable people show a willingness to be vaccinated, with almost 80% of people over 70 indicating that they want to get a flu shot and/or corona shot this fall. This is evident from the findings of the National Winter Fitness Survey, in which 5,600 Dutch people participated last month. In the Netherlands, 7 million people are susceptible to serious illness due to corona or influenza during the flu season. We can prevent a lot of suffering through vaccination against flu and corona.”
The poll shows that the majority consider lifestyle advice and vaccination to be effective measures to protect vulnerable groups. Two-thirds of respondents are willing to be tested if they have flu or corona-related complaints. However, only a third are willing to test themselves when visiting vulnerable elderly people or grandparents. “Both personal protection and that of our loved ones are crucial,” said Van Essen. “We remember the corona measures well, and these can help us stay ‘winter fit’.”
As winter approaches, the risk for people with vulnerable health and the elderly to become seriously ill from respiratory viruses increases. This could lead to a corona or flu wave in the new year. In winter we spend more time indoors, have closer contact and ventilate our homes less, which means that respiratory viruses are transmitted more quickly. The Dutch Influenza Foundation strives to prevent as many hospitalizations and deaths as possible by promoting a healthy lifestyle and vaccination of vulnerable groups and the elderly against flu and COVID-19. According to Van Essen and experts, we can reduce the number of Dutch people who end up in hospital as a result of a respiratory infection by continuing to use our common sense. “We should not underestimate it, because a serious influenza or corona infection can cause long-term complaints and take people out of circulation for weeks,” says van Essen.
The National Winter Fitness Survey was initiated by Dr. Ted van Essen, former general practitioner and chairman of the Dutch Influenza Foundation, and received support from the Dutch Kidney Patient Association, the Lung Fund, KBO-PCOB and Lung Alliance Netherlands.
The most important results of the National Winter Fitness Survey can be found in the infographic or at www.winterfit.nl.
Today October 10th organizes the Dutch Influenza National Flu Shot Day Foundation where experts including Prof. Dr. Liesbeth van Rossum and Prof. Dr. Ab Osterhuis respond to the results of the National Winter Fit Survey.
Source: Influenza Foundation
Editorial Medicalfacts / Janine Budding
I studied physiotherapy and health care business administration. I am also a registered independent client supporter and informal care broker. I have a lot of experience in various positions in healthcare, the social domain and the medical and pharmaceutical industries, nationally and internationally. And I have broad medical knowledge of most specialties in healthcare. And the healthcare laws from which healthcare is regulated and financed. I attend most of the leading medical conferences in Europe and America every year to keep my knowledge up to date and to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. I am currently doing a Masters in applied psychology.
My messages on this weblog do not reflect the strategy, policy or direction of an employer, nor are they work by or for a client or employer.
2023-10-10 18:28:30
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