Hospitals in Luxembourg, as well as in neighbouring countries, are witnessing a familiar pattern as autumn approaches: a steady rise in both flu and Covid cases. This trend, which has now become predictable, has been observed each year for the past two to three years, typically coinciding with the onset of autumn. The increase is noticeable not only in hospital emergency rooms but also among healthcare staff and patients themselves.
According to Luc Gindt, General Director of the Hopital Intercommunal in Steinfort, Luxembourg’s hospitals are well prepared for an uptick in Covid cases. He expects these seasonal surges to become the norm in the coming years, similar to the annual flu wave.
Dr Claude Braun, Medical Director at the Robert Schuman Hospitals, emphasised the importance of flu vaccination for all age groups, highlighting it as a key preventive measure not only for patients but also for healthcare workers. He explains that the vaccine against the flu, or more specifically, influenza, is especially important and gets updated every year because the virus changes.
This is why Dr Braun urges adults and children alike to get vaccinated against the flu every year. He added that the return of travellers from abroad is also contributing to the reappearance of Covid cases in Luxembourg. Colder weather means people spend more time indoors and in close proximity, making it easier for viruses to spread.
However, when asked whether there is a risk of a major outbreak, Dr Braun was clear: there is no reason to be alarmed at this stage.
