Hospitals are struggling to cope with the flu epidemic affecting Belgium. For several weeks, the country’s emergency services, such as those at CHR Namur, have been overwhelmed. Flu symptoms – fever, muscle pain, feverish state – lead many patients to seek medical attention. So, to deal with this worrying situation, the Federal Minister of Health, Frank Vandenrboucke announces that the country is moving from code yellow to code orange.
Since December, Belgium has had a “respiratory infections” winter plan, under the leadership of the FPS Health and which takes into account the most common infections, including influenza.
This Thursday afternoon, the alert level was raised a notch. The Risk Management Group (RMG) examined the preventive measures to be taken during the afternoon. The minister has already cited several, such as wearing a mask in the patient-doctor relationship, wearing a mask when dealing with a vulnerable person, etc.
Vaccination against influenza remains very important, according to the minister. But now that the country is approaching the infectious peak, it may be a little late to get vaccinated. Mr. Vandenbroucke, however, recommended that vulnerable people consult their doctor on this subject.
-In order to reduce the transmission of infections, the authorities emphasize the importance of fundamental preventive actions: washing your hands frequently, ventilating rooms, using disposable tissues and staying at home when you are sick. If you experience symptoms, it is advisable to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing, particularly for healthcare professionals and people at risk.
grippe masque frank vandenbroucke
Belgium
