Empty places at work or in the classroom, it is a recognizable image for many people in recent weeks. Because the flu wave prevails in our country and more and more people are being buried under it. But when do you ring the bell and how do you recognize a ‘normal’ cold or symptoms of a flu?
The last week of January reported per 100,000 Dutch people, 76 people with flu complaints to the doctor. That number has increased steadily in recent weeks. So that, according to RIVM, we can speak of an epidemic.
In hospitals and at general practices they also notice that flu strikes. Yet there is no need. “If you really feel very sick, or if you are a little older and feel very sick and have something among the members, then it is wise to call in the doctor,” says GP Hester Waalkes. “But if you are young and fit, you can do a lot of things again after a day or 2-3.”
The Wilhelmina Hospital in Assen also notices that the intensity on healthcare is increasing. Illness among employees also causes extra pressure.
“Yet we can still coordinate it internally,” says a hospital spokesperson. “There are people who run more services and get along where it is needed. It is busy, but not too busy.”
The flu golf can also be felt in elderly care, says Roeli Mossel of the Noord Dutch Cooperative of Care Organizations (NNCZ) which includes various residential care locations, including in the Hoogeveen region. “There is more short absenteeism. It is also a strong flu. We see the cases of illness more among employees than with residents.”
The flu has been going on for three weeks, says Mossel. “We now work more with mouth caps, gloves and other protective measures. We can just take care of it in terms of staff. This is mainly because we have more staff available in January and February, because then almost no one will take a holiday. A lucky accident. “
The best remedy for this flu is giving time. “If you are a little older, it can certainly take a week to ten days before you are on your feet again,” adds general practitioners Waalkes. “Coughing and the cold can take longer: up to two weeks.”