A flu epidemic is spreading in the Netherlands

Sadly, a flu epidemic is spreading in the Netherlands…

Feeling a little under the weather recently? Well that’s probably because the number of flu cases in the Netherlands is rising. This has meant that a flu epidemic is spreading in the Netherlands. Nivel, the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, has reported a rise in the flu epidemic for this year.

According to 42 General Practitioners in the Netherlands, not only is the number of cases rising, but the number of cases has already exceeded the highest number of cases reported from the past 3 years. This also isn’t predicted to be the peak of the flu epidemic either. So it looks to be a record year regarding the number of people contracting the flu.

What are the effects?

Not only does the flu season make a lot of us incredibly ill, but it has an effect on businesses. If we are too ill to go to work, then it has a direct impact on our workplaces. This is especially true with small businesses.

Dutch primary schools are also struggling. Not only are a record number of school children contracting the illness, but so are teachers, leaving some schools understaffed. In some cases schools have been shut for a day due to the flu epidemic.

So what can we do?

There is no for-sure way for you to not get the flu, but there are definitely ways of trying to prevent it. Make sure you look after yourselves, maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in exercise, having a good diet and maintaining personal hygiene. This means making sure you wash your hands often to prevent the spread and contraction of germs. Never ever leaving the house or letting anyone else in could work too, but probably not practical.

If you are really ill, make sure you keep well rested and try and limit contact with other people to prevent it spreading like wildfire. Also, for some people, contracting flu can be lethal, especially in with people with pre-existing illnesses like asthma, the elderly and very young children. Go to your nearest doctor if necessary.

I recommend that if you are having some time off work, why not browse the DutchReview site to keep you entertained 😉 and get well soon!