As winter approaches, the Ministry of Health would like to remind the public of the importance of protecting themselves against the most common respiratory infections in Luxembourg, such as influenza, RSV bronchiolitis, other viruses that cause respiratory infections and COVID-19. They are all contagious and can cause epidemic waves. There may also be superinfections caused by bacteria such as pneumococcus, which is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in Europe. During the winter, these infections affect a large portion of the population, saturating medical and hospital systems.
According to data from the Central Hospital of Luxembourg (CHL) Kannerklinik, 263 children under 2 years old were hospitalized with bronchiolitis between November and December 2022. Additionally, during the winter 2022-2023 (from October 2022 to May 2023), 53,646 COVID-19 cases and 10,709 influenza cases were recorded.
In this context, the Ministry of Health is organizing an awareness-raising campaign (posters, radio ads, social networks, etc.) to prevent the spread of these viruses, informing people about the preventive measures that should be taken and the vaccinations currently available for protection against respiratory infections .
Preventive measures against respiratory infections: vaccination and hygiene measures
The viruses that cause bronchiolitis, influenza and COVID-19 spread easily from person to person through droplets (from a cough or sneeze) or direct contact with hands or objects contaminated with secretions from an infected person. Closed, poorly ventilated and crowded spaces are particularly conducive to the spread of these diseases.
Vaccination is an effective way to prevent respiratory infections and the serious complications they can cause. High-risk groups are encouraged to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. It is recommended to consult your GP to find out whether vaccinations are recommended to prevent these infections. In addition, vaccination against pneumococcal bacteria (which can complicate certain viral infections) can reduce serious superinfections, such as pneumonia in children younger than 5 years and in people 65 and older.
A new treatment to prevent infections caused by the bronchiolitis virus, given via intramuscular injection, has arrived in Luxembourg. Starting from the winter of 2023-2024, it will be available for newborns in the delivery room as soon as they are born.
Several barrier measures are also recommended to limit the spread of these diseases, including regular hand washing, maintaining indoor air circulation, limiting close contact or wearing masks (especially with sick people), and avoiding crowds and gatherings during the winter season.
Adhering to these precautions will help limit the spread of the virus and relieve pressure on healthcare systems that are under tremendous pressure during the winter months.
More information on preventive measures and vaccinations against respiratory infections can be found on the sante.lu website “Espace Citoyen” in the sections “Grippe saisonnière”, “Bronchiolite”, “Coronavirus” and “Infections à pneumocoques”.
New recommendations from the Superior Council for Infectious Diseases (Conseil superérieur des maladies infectieuses, CSMI) on vaccination against COVID-19 and new immunizations against bronchiolitis virus have been published and are available on sante.lu.
What are these infections and what are their symptoms?
Seasonal influenza is a highly contagious viral illness that occurs every year. The most common symptoms of the flu are sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and cough. Symptoms usually disappear after up to 7 days.
Influenza can cause complications directly or because it promotes superinfection with bacteria such as pneumococcal bacteria. Otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, meningitis, and (rarely) encephalitis may occur. Complications are more common in young children and older adults, as well as in people with other chronic medical conditions that make them susceptible to infections, especially respiratory infections.
COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms range from mild to severe, with varying degrees of respiratory involvement. It is accompanied by fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Loss of smell and/or taste, digestive symptoms, and rash are other symptoms of the disease. Older adults, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable and at risk for complications.
RSV bronchiolitis is a very common respiratory infection in infants under two years of age. It appears mainly in winter. It is caused by a virus called respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes inflammation of the respiratory tract: nose, throat, and bronchial tubes. Babies have small bronchi and are more likely to become clogged with secretions, sometimes requiring great effort to breathe. A baby who has difficulty breathing will tire quickly because his muscle reserves are low.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, can cause relatively minor infections such as ear infections and sinusitis, more serious infections such as pneumonia, and invasive infections such as meningitis.
Pneumococcal bacteria are part of the throat and nose microbial flora of many people (30-60%, depending on age). However, it can sometimes cause infections, especially in the case of viral infections like influenza, by damaging cells in the respiratory tract and making the pneumococcal bacteria become more virulent. These infections can be fatal or leave serious sequelae.
The conjugate vaccine, available to children and adults 65 years and older, protects against infections caused by the most aggressive pneumococcal bacteria, which are the leading cause of severe forms of infection.
If you have any questions about vaccination or any concerns about your symptoms, you should speak to your GP.
Ministry of Health Press Release