Virologists expect an outbreak of influenza in the Netherlands in the coming weeks.
Virologists in the Netherlands have warned that the country may experience a flu epidemic in the coming weeks, as infection rates continue to rise across Europe. Dutch health experts confirmed that the flu strain currently circulating in the United Kingdom, known as H3N2, is expected to reach the Netherlands soon.
Ted van Essen, head of the Dutch Vaccination Foundation, said in statements to the Dutch broadcasting agency NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting) that influenza viruses do not recognize borders. He explained that the number of cases in the Netherlands is still relatively limited, but it is experiencing a noticeable increase that raises concern.
According to data from Nivel (Dutch Institute for Health Care Research), which monitors patient visits to family doctors, 40 people out of every 100,000 reported flu-like symptoms last week. An influenza epidemic is officially declared when 46 cases per 100,000 people are recorded for two consecutive weeks, indicating that the country is close to this threshold.
The H3N2 strain is known to cause more severe symptoms than the usual seasonal flu, such as high fever, strong cough, and severe nasal congestion. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses are considered the most at risk, raising concerns about additional pressure on the healthcare sector.
Influenza epidemics occur regularly in the Netherlands, except during the lockdowns associated with the Corona pandemic. The last major wave was in 2018, when about 900,000 people were infected and nearly 9,000 died. At that time, hospitals were under severe pressure. Experts warn that if similar numbers recur, hospital admissions could reach around 90,000 cases, which may force some hospitals to refuse new patients.
The World Health Organization reported that influenza activity began to rise in December of this year, earlier than the usual peak in January or February. In the Netherlands, the flu vaccine is offered in November to allow enough time for immunity to develop. The vaccine provides about 35% protection against infection and about 40% protection against hospitalization, yet health officials emphasize that it remains an important preventive tool.
As the holiday season approaches, individuals experiencing flu symptoms are advised to avoid close contact with vulnerable groups. According to Ted van Essen, the virus may be more contagious and cause slightly more severe illness, but the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine is similar to its effectiveness in previous years.