The magnitude of the flu wave is comparable to the acute flu epidemic in 2018 | health

Experts from RIVM announced this Wednesday based on data from Nivel GP ranger stations and hospital laboratories, among other things. Both have shown an upward trend since the start of the epidemic in the eighth week. Type A virus is the most common virus. “People still go to the doctor often, but when they do go, a lot of flu is caught,” says epidemiologist Rianne Van Gageldonk.

It’s hard to predict whether it will really move in the direction of the 2018 pandemic, says virologist Adam Meijer. It can spike for a short time and then quickly turn off – for example due to conditions like good weather. But it can also last for weeks. On the other hand, the RS virus also appeared during the summer and fall of last year; A favorable climate does not necessarily mean that the virus has no chance.”

Experts say hospitals are increasingly taking in more flu patients, but it’s not a concern that there aren’t enough beds or patients are being transferred to other hospitals. The flu vaccine given to the people it was called for is 30% effective – just like other years. After influenza vaccination, people are protected for about six months. There are no data showing improved protection after a second (booster) vaccination in the same season. On average, a person gets the flu once every 10 years.

The flu started late this year, we’re week eight and we’re now week 16. Perhaps it relates to the issuance of procedures. Experts don’t know when the “normal” flu cycle will recover; It usually starts in November of the year.