Whoever thought covid was behind us was very wrong. From now on, the virus is part of the furniture, as they say. Indeed, each year, it returns at a specific period.
Since mid-September, Sciensano has noted a notable increase in Covid-19 viral particles in wastewater, marking an early peak compared to forecasts.
Although this increase is visible, it does not cause additional pressure on general practitioners or hospitals.
mild infections
According to Steven Van Gucht, the majority of infections remain mild, and the current situation is far from matching last winter’s peak.
“We are halfway to last winter’s record peak. We may be heading in this direction, but the numbers could just as easily drop again in the next measurement,” reports Het Nieuwsblad newspaper.
This resurgence is due to the KP.3 subvariant, resulting from JN.1, itself derived from the Omicron variant which circulated last winter. Van Gucht specifies that KP.3 remains close to its predecessors, which allows current vaccines, based on JN.1, to remain effective. In Flanders, the vaccination campaign has started, and vulnerable people, such as those over 65 or those suffering from chronic illnesses, are encouraged to get vaccinated free of charge from their doctor or pharmacist.
