Belgian Virologist Warns of Potential COVID-19 Surge Post-Holiday Season
Brussels, Belgium – Johan Neyts, a prominent virologist, has cautioned the public about the potential trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium. Speaking to VTM, Neyts expressed uncertainty about the pace of the virus’s spread, stating, "It’s difficult to estimate how quickly it will rise. It might remain relatively contained during the Christmas vacation, but it’s possible that when schools reopen, children could act as a catalyst for the epidemic, leading to a genuine surge."
Vaccine Efficacy Against Flu Strains
Neyts also addressed the efficacy of the flu vaccine against the current circulating strains. He explained, "There’s influenza A and influenza B, and it seems that the limited strains tested so far are predominantly influenza A. However, even within influenza A, there are subtypes. Current data suggests that the components in the vaccines will likely provide protection against the strains circulating this season."
Neyts advised, "If you’re part of the at-risk group and haven’t been vaccinated yet, I would still recommend getting the vaccine. It’s still beneficial as long as you’re not at the peak of the epidemic."
Precautions If You Have the Flu
If you find yourself with the flu, Neyts advises, "If you have underlying health conditions or high-risk family members, it’s best to stay away from them for a while."
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