Belgium on the verge of flu epidemic

Belgium is just this side of a full-on flu epidemic, according to the Scientific Institute for Public Health (WIV). Last week, the institute reported, 121 per 100,000 residents, or just over 13,000 people, consulted their doctor reporting flu-like symptoms. The threshold for the declaration of an epidemic stands at 141 per 100,000 consultations per week for two weeks in a row, or about 15,500 visits to the doctor in a week.

Last week saw the number of consultations rise sharply. Tests also showed an increase in the number of positive viral tests also used to determine the status of an epidemic. The flu strain A(H3N2) – the strain contained in this year’s vaccine – is now predominant in 60% of cases.

“There is also a strain of A(H3N2) circulating that differs from the vaccine, but it’s too early at this stage to determine the possible implications for the efficacy of the vaccine,” said Steven Van Gucht of the WIV. “It’s only at the end of the season that we get the relevant data coming in,” he said. “The difference in strain doesn’t necessarily mean the vaccine will work less well. We’ve received no indications as yet that the flu will this year be any worse than before.”

photo: Ingimage