Belgium faces rise in respiratory illness « Euro Weekly News

Face masks are urged throughout Belgium as its warning level for respiratory infections has now been increased to code orange, as part of a nationwide plan to stem any outbreaks of the flu.

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, face masks are urged as a matter of precaution in Belgium, as respiratory illness cases rise significantly this month compared with the same period last year. 

Winter Plan for Respiratory Infections

Belgium has thus enforced their ‘Winter Plan for Respiratory Infections’ to ensure hospitals do not get an influx of patients and that citizens are safe this winter, as Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke aims to stem the spread of common viral infections that plague many European countries as temperatures plummet.

Delphine Jarosinski, a spokesperson for Brussels’ Iris Hospitals said: “In Brussels, the hospitals themselves choose what to do with the advice [to wear masks]. Our staff are wearing face masks, and we ask patients to wear a mask if they have any symptoms.”

Citizens can be encouraged that the precautionary measures are not signals that an epidemic is ahead for Belgium, with a strict contingency plan in place simply allowing hospitals to not become overcrowded.

Influx of patients in hospitals not yet cause for concern for staff

Jarosinski confirmed that so far, influxes of patients in hospitals in Brussels has not been alarming enough to warrant fears of overwhelm, as Annemie Deleenheer, the Vice-President of Brussels’ GP Circle, also insisted: “There is pressure, but we are still carrying on with our practice”, as staff seem to remain able to carry out their daily work without much added stress.

Claude Hauntain, head of the emergency department at Saint-Jean Hospital, warned however: “Nevertheless, the real peak of the flu epidemic, which officially started last December, is still likely to come. We fear an increase because vaccination coverage was lower than usual this year.”

High risk citizens urged to get jab

Therefore, citizens at high risk of various respiratory illnesses such as the common flu, are urged to get their jab as soon as possible to ensure they stay safe this winter.

Medical coordinator for prevention at Brussels health agency Vivalis, David Herco, agreed, but commented that “at the Brussels level, there is a slight increase of 1% among vaccinated over 65’s.” Despite the rise in vaccinations in this particular demographic, the agency still encourages the elderly population, as well as those with weakened immune systems to get their vaccination.

The agency also calls upon the residents of the capital to ring their GP if they have non-urgent complaints, as to relieve the hospitals of Brussels and in particular, their emergency departments.

As Europe braces for a frosty winter period, the entire population is encouraged to ensure safety as best they can. Wrap up warm, get the heating on, and if needed, get adequate vaccinations.

Follow the rest of the latest news from Belgium here.