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 weeks in a row and at least 10 percent of these people have the flu virus. Because the symptoms of flu are very similar to those of corona and people are now more likely to do a rapid test than go to the doctor, these figures are difficult to determine whether there is an epidemic.
Strong growth
Despite the fact that the limit of 58 people has not been reached, the Nivel research institute, which keeps track of the figures, does see a sharp increase in the number of patients with flu-like symptoms. RIVM is finding the flu virus in more and more samples from these patients.
The RIVM recommends the annual flu shot as protection against the flu. “The basic measures against corona also help against getting the flu. Think of washing your hands regularly, sneezing and coughing into your elbow and keeping your distance from others,” says Rianne van Gageldonk-Lafeber, epidemiologist at RIVM.
Van Gageldonk-Lafeber also advises to observe these measures before Christmas. “Be careful and keep your distance from others. Don’t sit next to your grandmother if you are coughing a lot.”
It takes half a year to make the flu shot. You can see how that works here: