Belgium Faces Sharp Rise in Flu Cases as Hospitals and GPs Struggle Under High Workload
Belgium is grappling with a meaningful surge in flu cases, as reported by the Sciensano health institute. In the second week of January, approximately 77,000 belgians visited their general practitioners (GPs) with flu-like symptoms, marking a sharp increase in consultations. The incidence of GP visits for flu-like complaints has risen to 654 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants, nearing the peak levels observed in previous years.The strain on healthcare providers is palpable. Nearly 60% of GPs report experiencing a high to very high workload due to the influx of patients with respiratory infections. “The consultation room is busy,” the report notes, highlighting a significant rise in demand compared to the previous week.
Laboratory data further underscores the severity of the situation. The number of positive flu tests continues to climb, with experts suggesting that the peak of the flu season may soon be reached.Residential care centers are also feeling the impact, with 23 flu cases per 1,000 residents reported in the second week of January. Of these, 2.3 per 1,000 required hospitalization.
Hospital admissions for serious acute respiratory infections have also risen, reaching 14.3 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants in the first week of January. This translates to over 1,600 Belgians hospitalized, with flu identified as a primary driver of these admissions.
While flu cases dominate, other respiratory viruses show mixed trends. The RSV virus,as an example,is on a downward trajectory,though numbers remain elevated. Meanwhile, the coronavirus is circulating at remarkably low levels, with a positivity rate of just 2.7%—a decrease from the previous week.
Belgium has activated its code orange alert for infectious diseases, a system established after the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this alert, individuals with symptoms are advised to wear face masks in crowded places to curb the spread of infections.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | Data |
|————————————-|——————————————-|
| GP visits for flu-like complaints | 654 per 100,000 inhabitants |
| Total GP visits (second week) | ~77,000 |
| GPs reporting high workload | 60% |
| Flu cases in care centers | 23 per 1,000 residents |
| Hospital admissions (flu-related) | 14.3 per 100,000 inhabitants |
| Coronavirus positivity rate | 2.7% |
As the flu season intensifies, healthcare professionals are urging the public to remain vigilant.Vaccination, notably for vulnerable groups, is strongly recommended to mitigate the spread of the virus. For more facts on flu prevention and vaccination, visit the Brussels Times.The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Belgium can manage the flu surge without overwhelming its healthcare system. Stay informed, stay safe, and consider wearing a mask in crowded areas if you experience symptoms.
