Respiratory virus season has started in Luxembourg

With the onset of autumn, viruses have started circulating in Luxembourg again: cold, flu and COVID-19. According to the country's chief sanitary doctor Jean-Claude Schmit, a small wave of coronavirus is being recorded in the country - about 300 new cases per week. However, he emphasises that the situation is stable and not alarming.

Such dynamics, he said, is expected: schools open in autumn, and viruses once again get an environment for spreading. Similar "waves" were observed in previous years. So far, the load on hospitals and doctors remains low, but closer to winter, the number of cases is expected to increase.

As for influenza, it has so far been weak, with only 20 confirmed cases in the past week, but the Ministry of Health reminds that the peak of the season usually occurs at the end of December and can reach up to 3,000 cases per week. This is when the strain on the health care system is at its highest.

Jean-Claude Schmit also noted that no shortage of medicines is expected this season, but reminded of the importance of prevention: timely vaccination, warm clothes, hand hygiene. According to him, many people let their guard down after the pandemic and forgot about simple protection measures.

Pharmacists are already feeling the start of the season. Thierry Schmit, a pharmacist in Kirchberg, told RTL that the flow of customers has increased dramatically over the past 2-3 weeks, especially for flu shots, COVID tests and cold remedies. According to him, about half of the people prefer self-medication, while the other half - more often families with children and the elderly - turn to specialists for advice.

Pharmacies, he assured, are fully prepared: antipyretics, cough, sore throat, vitamins and other basic remedies are available.

The Ministry of Health reminds us that even in the absence of alarming statistics, autumn and winter require attention to one's health. Simple measures - vaccination, hygiene, seasonal clothing - still help to avoid serious consequences.