Here, according to the latest report from Sciensano, the circulation of Covid is decreasing after a peak observed in July, followed by a decrease. A slight recovery was noted in September, but the trend is now downward. If the flu still remains at a fairly low level, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is causing an increase in infections in the country. “We expect this increase to continue in the coming weeks, indicates virologist Steven Van Gucht (Sciensano). Within 2 or 3 weeks, we could see a peak for this respiratory virus which mainly affects young children, particularly those under the age of one, who are more likely to be hospitalized. RSV infects the small airways and can quickly block them in babies, causing difficulty breathing. In people aged 65 and older, RSV can cause complications such as pneumonia. For most healthy adults, symptoms are mild, similar to the flu.”.
The good news is that there are effective treatments, such as antibodies for newborns and a vaccine for people 65 and older.
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A calm but uncertain situation
In Belgium, the level of circulation of Covid, flu and RSV is monitored every week by the authorities. The workload of general practitioners and the quantity of viruses in wastewater for several types of viruses are taken into account to anticipate epidemiological circulation.
A color code is also assigned based on this data. “We follow a color-coded system to assess the need to wear the mask, he continues. Currently, we are in green code, therefore without specific recommendation. If the situation evolves towards a yellow or orange code, it is likely that wearing a mask will be recommended, particularly in healthcare. The code red, which could imply stricter measures, is exceptional and unlikely, except in the case of a season when viruses circulate enormously. This is a measure that is useful in hospitals in the event of high epidemic circulation. But for the moment, the situation is rather calm, even if an increase is expected, particularly for Covid and RSV. The low circulation of influenza is normal for this period, as it often increases after the Christmas holidays.
