Flu cases rise, potential epidemic looms in the Netherlands

With 58 out of 100,000 people visiting their general practitioners with flu-like symptoms last week, the annual flu epidemic seems to be starting, according to research institute Nivel. For an official epidemic declaration, cases must exceed 53 per 100,000 people for two consecutive weeks.

Currently, this threshold has not been met, as last week 52 per 100,000 people reported symptoms. However, Nivel cautiously suggests an epidemic may be developing, citing a rapid increase in cases and widespread virus circulation.

The last similar flu activity was in February of the previous year, with an epidemic from late January to late March. Nivel also warns about other respiratory viruses such as the RSV, which can cause symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and sore throat.

The flu virus often presents more severe symptoms, including chills, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches, and fever.

Source: NOS

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