Last week, the number of consultations with the general practitioner for flu-like complaints rose significantly, to 764 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants per week. This is according to a report by Sciensano† The health institute speaks of a moderately intense flu epidemic in Belgium.
Raf Roesemsgeneral practitioner in Vilvoorde, also notices this in his practice: “We see an exceptionally high number of sick people, more than we have seen in the past five years”, he says in “The world today”.
Has the corona crisis weakened our immunity?
The theory has been circulating for a while, because we have worn mouth masks for so long, our immunity has been weakened. “It is not clear whether our immunity has weakened, but we may indeed have become more susceptible to viruses. And there are a lot of viruses circulating at the moment,” says Roesems.
Sciensano talks about a moderately intense flu epidemic and that’s how Roesems feels. “We’ve had bigger flu epidemics before, but there is definitely an epidemic. There is also a clear difference from last year, when flu was barely present.”
According to the doctor, there are currently various flu viruses circulating, but also other smaller respiratory infections that can cause unpleasant symptoms. “But covid is also picking up seriously,” says Roesems.
Corona is on the rise again
“Nationally, we are around 11,000 corona infections per day and I fear that is a gross underestimate. A while ago, all infections were confirmed with a PCR test, but most people now do self-tests and these are not always confirmed anymore. is not only corona fatigue, but also test fatigue.”
According to the GP, the situation is not yet dramatic, but he nevertheless urges caution: “Most patients, including covid patients, have mild complaints, but in recent days we have seen an advance of covid in rest homes and they are a lot more fragile. We’ll have to keep a close eye on that.”
Listen to Raf Roesems, general practitioner in Vilvoorde via Radio 1 Select
Source: vrtnws.be and The world today