Belgium officially faces flu epidemic

The number of influenza cases in Belgium has officially reached epidemic status, reports Le Soir. According to the Scientific Institute for Public Health (ISP), the number of people consulting their doctor with flu-like symptoms has exceeded the epidemic threshold – set at 139.5 visits per week per 100,000 inhabitants – for two consecutive weeks. “This is the official signal to declare a flu epidemic,” says the ISP. The epidemic, which started earlier than last year but later than the previous two years, is expected to last for eight to 12 weeks. The ISP says: “Vaccination is recommended for people at risk, mainly those aged sixty-five and older, pregnant women from the second trimester or patients with a chronic disease. But it takes two weeks for the vaccine to kick in. There is therefore a real risk of catching the flu in this interval. Vaccination remains beneficial, but it is essential to act now.” The institute adds that schoolchildren are the age group most affected.