In the Netherlands, there is normally a flu epidemic when more than 58 out of 100,000 people report flu-like symptoms to their GP for two consecutive weeks and at least 10% of these people have the flu virus. Since flu symptoms are very similar to corona and people are now more likely to take a quick test than go to the doctor, these figures are difficult to determine if there is an epidemic.
Strong growth
Despite not hitting the 58-person limit, research institute Nivel, which tracks the numbers, sees a sharp rise in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms. RIVM is finding the flu virus in more and more samples taken from these patients.
The RIVM advises the annual flu vaccine as protection against the flu. “Basic measures against the coronavirus also help against the flu. Think about washing your hands regularly, sneezing and coughing into your elbow, and keeping your distance from others,” says Rianne van Gageldonk-Lafeber, an epidemiologist at RIVM.
Van Gageldonk-Lafeber also recommends observing these measures before Christmas. “Be careful and keep your distance from others. Don’t sit next to your grandmother if you cough a lot.”
It takes six months to get the flu shot. You can see how it works here:
