In the last two weeks, the flu epidemic in the Netherlands has worsened, with the number of people reporting flu-like symptoms to their doctors more than doubling. With 118 per 100.000 residents falling ill, the number of flu cases has not been this high since 2020.
Two weeks ago, 58 people per 100.000 were sick with the flu. The most recent figures by the Dutch Health Institute (RIVM) show that this has gone up to 118 per 100.000 - more than double the cases in two weeks.
This is also the first time since the RIVM started publishing these figures in 2020 that the number of flu cases has been this high. The flu epidemic officially started at the end of January when at least 53 out of 100.000 people visited their GP with flu-like symptoms for two consecutive weeks.
The numbers measured so far only include patients who have visited their doctors, not necessarily those who have the flu and take sick leave. At the beginning of the epidemic, Dutch hospitals were already crowded and the teacher shortage was worsening due to people falling ill - this could be exacerbated if the flu wave continues to ramp up.
According to NOS, it is unclear whether the flu wave has peaked yet. In 2025, the epidemic lasted for nine weeks, with 215.000 people heading to the doctor between mid-January and mid-March.
If you want to avoid getting sick, the flu vaccine could still make a difference. It is also important to remember that if you do get sick, stay home and work remotely if possible, or call in sick, cough and sneeze into your elbow and wear a mask when visiting vulnerable family members while you are ill.