Recognize your symptoms: Few cases of flu and Covid in Switzerland? Appearances are deceiving

The number of cases of Covid and flu declared in the laboratory currently remains at a low level in Switzerland. But we must not be fooled by the figures, say the experts and the Confederation.

Switzerland coughs and sneezes. This is the image we currently see in offices, at home, on the train or on the bus. Everywhere, we take out tissues. However, the number of laboratory cases reported to the Federal Office of Public Health remains surprisingly low. How is this done?

In fact, the flu season has not really started yet, explains Richard Neher, virus expert at the Biocenter of the University of Basel, interviewed by blue News. “We are still in the pre-season zone.” The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) also tells blue News that the flu epidemic is still at a pre-seasonal level.

Traditionally, the flu epidemic only peaks during the really cold months of January and February. Last winter, for example, the highest number of sick people was only measured at the beginning of February. That shouldn’t change this year either.

Treat at the doctor instead of testing

The number of reported Covid cases also remains at a constant level. In fact, laboratory reports have even declined in recent weeks. But appearances are deceiving, says the OFSP. “Since mid-August, outpatient medical consultations due to acute respiratory infections and flu-like illnesses have been increasing again throughout Switzerland.” In other words, Covid and flu infections are more common again, but they are usually not tested in the laboratory, but treated directly by the doctor.

In fact, the FOPH also assumes that the number of Covid laboratory declarations could increase again in the coming weeks. Indeed, “since May 2024, a slow but constant increase in the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 has been recorded in wastewater”.

Symptoms are typical of Covid and flu

But how do you know now if you have the flu or Covid? In fact, there are some differences.

Typical flu symptoms:

Common: fever, fatigue, headache and joint pain, dry cough Sometimes : runny nose, sore throat, loss of appetite
Rare : Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Never: difficulty breathing

Typical symptoms of coronavirus:

Common: fever, dry cough, runny nose
Sometimes: fatigue, headaches, joint pain, sore throat, breathing difficulties, smell or taste problems
Rare: Diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite

The Federal Office of Public Health recommends continuing to follow the usual rules in the coming months. “These include: staying at home if you have cold symptoms, wearing a mask if necessary and avoiding contact with people who are particularly exposed, washing your hands regularly, coughing and sneezing into a tissue or into the hollow of your mouth. arms, etc.

In addition, vaccines against Covid-19 and flu would remain recommended for at-risk groups.