Belgium has raised the flu alert level from yellow to orange, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) announced on Thursday.
Vandenbroucke's announcement came in response to a question asked by MP Carmen Ramlot (Les Engagés) during a parliamentary session on Thursday.
The Health Ministry launched a Winter Plan for Respiratory Infections in December. The initiative includes measures to manage common infections including the flu, and the flu alert was deemed yellow at the time. It has now been increased by one level.
A spike in infections is expected every winter, the Risk Management Group (RMG) stated on Friday. It has released guidelines to prevent the spread of the flu in and because the rise in cases "is now putting significant pressure on the healthcare system."
Credit: Belga/Maaike Tijssens
The RMG has urged people to wash their hands regularly, ventilate indoor spaces, use a tissue or an elbow when sneezing or coughing, to stay at home if infected with the flu and to wear a mask five days after the onset of symptoms when in contact with others.
Employers have been asked to make teleworking possible for people with symptoms or vulnerabilities. In the workplace, the RMG recommends distancing, keeping gatherings small and using Plexiglas screens at counters.
Ventilating indoor spaces will reduce the circulation of pathogens.
When should I wear a mask?
Vulnerable individuals should wear a mask in crowded places. This includes over-65s, people with chronic illnesses or with immunity disorders and pregnant people. "Infants are also at risk," the RMG added, but minors are not required to wear masks.
The group encourages anyone with symptoms or vulnerabilities to wear a mask and keep their distance in crowded public places (such as public transport) and at social gatherings.
Nursing home visits should only be made if absolutely necessary, and symptomatic staff and visitors should wear masks. They should also be worn at hospitals and when interacting with healthcare providers while the country is in Code Orange.
These rules do not apply to children under 12.
Vaccinations encouraged
The RMG urges all members of the public to get vaccinated if they are not already, particularly vulnerable people, carers, healthcare workers and pregnant people.
Covid-19 has "little impact on the current situation," according to the RMG. There is therefore "little argument" for pushing for more Covid-19 vaccinations at this stage.
Outgoing Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) has called on vulnerable individuals to consult their general practitioners (GPs) for advice.
The flu epidemic peaked earlier than usual this year and generally lasts between six and eight weeks.
This article was updated at 12:00 on Friday 10 January 2025.
