The flu epidemic gripping the Netherlands has entered its second week, with more people turning to their huisarts (GP) for help than the week before.
And health authorities say the worst is likely still to come.
According to data from the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) and research institute Nivel, 68 in every 100,000 people visited their GP with flu-like symptoms last week, up from 62 the week before.
And numbers continue to climb
While this may not sound like much, GP visit numbers are a key indicator of how widely the virus is spreading.
Since only a fraction of those infected actually seek medical attention, the figures act as a barometer for the broader population.
And what’s the verdict? More and more people are coming down with the flu.
What symptoms should I look out for?
For most people, the flu means a rough few days of fever, coughing, headaches, and fatigue. It’s unpleasant, but something you can manage without a doctor’s visit.
Authorities generally advise riding it out unless symptoms worsen significantly: think recurring high fever, fainting, or difficulty breathing. Are you down bad? Rest, fluids, and paracetamol are your best tools.
READ MORE | The ultimate guide to going to the doctor in the Netherlands in 2026
Some circulating variants differ slightly from the strains this season’s vaccine was designed to target, though the RIVM says it still protects “roughly in line with other years.”
It’s a different story for vulnerable groups. The RIVM estimates around 4,700 people in the Netherlands die from flu-related complications each year, with the highest risk among people aged 60 and over, those with lung conditions, and people with diabetes.
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