The arrival of the flu threatens to become a “double problem” this year. That says virologist Steven Van Gucht, who was vaccinated on Tuesday in Ghent at the annual ‘prick-off’ of the AZ Jan Palfijn. Last year there was no flu due to the strict measures and travel restrictions that were in force at the time. “Now it’s different,” says Van Gucht. “I expect them this year, and perhaps more intense than other years.”
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jvhSource: BELGIAN
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The vaccination campaign for the flu was kicked off at the AZ Jan Palfijn. “Because of corona, people would forget that the flu exists, a disease that also kills people,” says chief physician Louis Ide. The Ghent hospital gives a traditional ‘prick-off’ every year to raise awareness about the dangers of flu and the benefits of the vaccination. This year, virologist Steven Van Gucht will also receive his flu vaccine in Ghent.
“Last year we were very lucky,” says Van Gucht. “For the first time in my career, we didn’t have a flu epidemic. This was due to the strict measures. Now that’s different. Society is a lot looser and we can travel.” Van Gucht asks Tuesday to definitely take the flu vaccine.
Hard to estimate
The severity of the annual flu wave is difficult to estimate and the virologist takes into account that it could become a serious epidemic this year. “It can put itself on top of the covid epidemic. That means a double burden on the hospitals. It is therefore doubly important this year to get vaccinated against the flu.”
Because a flu outbreak would be very inconvenient for healthcare staff at the moment. “We expect a double problem this year,” it sounds. “On the one hand, there is the covid epidemic that has erupted again in full force. It is very likely that the flu will come on top soon. The classic comes in January. But some years it is already in December and other years later.”
“Do not panic”
The Ghent hospital endorses that message and aims for a high vaccination rate. “We are vigilant, but there is no panic,” says Ide. “It is not that bad in East Flanders, but in Antwerp the Intensive Care Department is already starting to fill up.” That means the fourth wave is not over yet, despite the vaccination campaign.
“Despite some breakthrough infections, the corona vaccine is a particularly good vaccine. You do not end up in Intensive Care and you have much less chance of ending up in hospital.” The chief physician recalls some other rules that prevent the spread of viruses. “Like good hand hygiene and keeping distance. That helps against the flu, colds and so on.” In the Ghent hospital, visitors are asked to come alone and to wear the mouth mask carefully. Exceptions to the visitors’ arrangement are only allowed for patients who are in an end-of-life phase.
