The Risk Management Group (RMG) has elevated the warning level for respiratory infections to code orange, signaling a significant need for increased vigilance as symptoms surge across communities.
What does code orange mean?
This heightened warning comes with clear recommendations aimed at curbing the spread of respiratory infections:
- Mask up: Individuals with symptoms or vulnerable health conditions are advised to wear masks in crowded public spaces, such as public transport and events.
- Healthcare settings: Masks are also recommended during interactions with healthcare providers or patients, with exceptions for children under 12 and certain care scenarios.
- Remote work: Employers are encouraged to facilitate remote work for symptomatic or at-risk staff wherever feasible.
Rising symptoms, stable doctor visits
Recent data from Infectieradar.be, our public health surveillance platform, confirms a notable rise in reported respiratory symptoms among participants. Interestingly, this increase has not yet translated into higher numbers of doctor visits, which remain stable.
This discrepancy underscores the importance of symptom tracking platforms like Infectieradar, which enable early detection of health trends before they become evident through clinical data. By capturing real-time insights into symptom patterns, these tools help authorities and healthcare systems respond proactively to emerging health challenges.
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