Last week, flu symptoms represented 258 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants. In rest and care homes, the number of cases was estimated at 7 per 1,000 residents and the number of hospitalizations at 1.7 per 1,000 residents. Five deaths were also reported for this population category. These figures could still change as some rest and care homes continue to report cases for the period concerned after the closing of the last Sciensano report.
The weather factor
“Usually the flu epidemic starts after the holidays. This year it starts a little earlier than usual, but it’s not the first time it’s happened. The main explanation is the weather. As it is cold and rainy, people live more indoors and this stimulates the spread of the virus”explique le virologue Steven Van Gucht.
Should we expect a particularly virulent flu virus this year? Virologists are divided on predictions
At this stage, it is still too early to assess the aggressiveness of the disease. “We will only be able to assess the intensity of the season after a few weeks but at this stage we have no reason to believe that it will be more severe than usual. I expect a normal year, even if the situation can always evolve during the epidemic, with the emergence of a new variant.”specifies the doctor.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated
On average, a flu epidemic lasts between six and twelve weeks. The best way to avoid getting sick remains vaccination. “It is best to get vaccinated in November or early December but it is not yet too late. The vaccine is particularly recommended for people suffering from chronic illnesses, pregnant women and people aged over 65. The flu is responsible for several dozen or hundreds of deaths each year. In certain seasons, this can rise to 3,000 deaths, mainly among people in fragile health and aged over 85. In pregnant women, mortality is rare but there can be complications and if a small baby is infected it can be serious.recalls the virologist.
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Strong progress in France
In France too, the circulation of the virus is increasing sharply. In a bulletin published this Thursday, the French national public health agency pointed out a “strong increase in all flu indicators in town and in hospitals in all age groups”. “All regions of France are affected by the epidemic who has greatly progressed over the last seven days, specifies the institution.
“Children under 15 were most affected in town and in hospital, but a marked increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations among people aged 65 and over was observed.vee,” she specifies.
