As is typical for the winter season, flu cases are on the rise across the country, with infections increasing significantly over the past week.
Reported cases jumped from 746 in the first week of January to 1,342 in the second–an 80% increase. Health officials are urging those who feel unwell to consult a doctor, but Dr Sébastien Diederich, General Practitioner and Secretary General of the Association of Doctors and Dentists (AMMD), has expressed concern over the number of people heading straight to ER with minor symptoms.
“To be clear, cold symptoms have no place in an ER,” Dr Diederich emphasised in an interview with our colleagues from RTL.lu. He added that the same applies to vomiting, which while unpleasant, does not typically warrant an emergency room visit. As for deciding whether to see a GP, he advised a more measured approach.
Dr Diederich acknowledged that while it is not ideal for people to visit their doctor at the first sign of a mild cold, such consultations can provide reassurance by confirming that the illness is not serious.
However, he stressed that the situation is different for more severe symptoms. For instance, a sudden high fever of 40 degrees or other alarming symptoms should prompt a visit to the doctor. In such cases, individuals should also avoid going to work to prevent spreading the infection.
The doctor explained that the severity of symptoms can help distinguish between the flu and a common cold. The flu often strikes suddenly, with intense symptoms such as high fever and body pain while a cold typically presents with milder issues like a stuffy nose and slight fever.
The National Health Directorate continues to encourage the public to get their flu vaccinations, a recommendation strongly supported by Dr Diederich. He emphasises that this is especially important for vulnerable groups including individuals over 65, those who are “heavily overweight,” people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems, and pregnant individuals.
Dr Diederich also advocates for protective behaviours reminiscent of those used in the Covid-19 pandemic, such as frequent handwashing, regular use of hand sanitiser, and minimising physical contact with others–particularly those most at risk.
On its website, the Ministry of Health offers the following guidance:
