Flu season has officially begun in Belgium. Virologists have urged people in at risk groups to get vaccinated.
The increasing prevalence of flu virus particles in sewage water and more positive tests coming from hospitals means that the flu season has now started, as confirmed by the Rega Institute of KU Leuven (led by virologist Marc Van Ranst) on Wednesday.
Elke Wollants, lab manager at the institute, confirmed to Belga News Agency that particles of the influenza virus are rising sharply in Leuven's sewage water.
She added that, on a national level, the flu virus has been found in sewage water at five of the 30 measuring points, according to data from health institute Sciensano.
'The worst is yet to come'
"More and more positive PCR tests are coming in from patients at UZ Leuven. Based on both parameters, the flu season has clearly started now," she said. She emphasised that the peak will follow after Christmas.
"We usually see [the peak] in January and February, after the Christmas holidays. The worst is yet to come. Moreover, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season is also in full swing," she said.
The researcher urged risk groups to get vaccinated.
"This can be done without a prescription from the pharmacist. It is highly recommended for people aged 65 and over and healthcare workers. Personally, I recommend it to everyone. I have been taking it myself for 20 years. We must not forget that you can also become seriously ill from the flu and that it can lead to hospitalisation for vulnerable people."
People have immune protection approximately two weeks after vaccination, so Wollants added that it is "not too late" to receive a vaccine for this flu season.
Those who belong to the risk group pay €4, while others pay €17.
