Flu epidemic in Belgium gets worse

The official threshold to declare an epidemic stands at 140 diagnoses of flu per 100,000 inhabitants. That threshold was exceeded in early January. According to figures from the week of 23-29 January, the number has shot up to 648 consultations per 100,000 people. The growth has affected all age groups, WIV said.

At the same time, a similar increase has been seen in other related illnesses, such as sinusitis, bronchitis and ear infections, again for all age groups. WIV recommends seeing a doctor at the first signs of flu, then staying home to avoid infecting others through close contact in the classroom or workplace. 

Photo: Ingimage