Flu & Cold Season: Symptoms, Treatment & Updates in Netherlands

The Netherlands is currently experiencing a widespread flu epidemic, with cases rising for the past two weeks. According to data from the Netherlands’ public health monitor, RIVM, the country has officially met the criteria for an epidemic, with February 18, 2026, reporting 59 cases per 100,000 people – exceeding the threshold of 46 per 100,000 needed to qualify as an epidemic.

While the healthcare system is not currently expected to be overwhelmed, hospitals are taking steps to manage the influx of patients. One hospital in Dordrecht has already been forced to postpone all but the most urgent operations due to the increased demand. RIVM suggests hospitals can further mitigate spread by grouping patients with flu-like symptoms on the same wards.

This year’s flu season began a little later than last year’s. In February 2025, the epidemic peaked with 118 cases per 100,000, and subsided by the end of March. The current epidemic is being closely monitored by RIVM, in collaboration with the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), laboratories, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Understanding the Flu and its Spread

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, causes inflammation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory system – the nose, mouth, and airways. Symptoms typically appear suddenly and can include chills, a runny nose, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, a sore throat, and a dry cough. Fever, sometimes high, is also common and usually lasts for three to five days.

The flu virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled by others, leading to infection. Transmission can also occur through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Individuals are contagious from one day before the onset of symptoms and can remain infectious for five to seven days after symptoms begin. The virus is constantly changing, meaning that individuals can contract the flu multiple times.

Who is at Higher Risk?

While most people recover from the flu on their own within a few days, certain populations are at a higher risk of developing severe complications. These include individuals aged 60 years and older, and those with chronic health conditions, such as heart or lung disease. For these groups, the flu can exacerbate existing conditions or lead to serious respiratory infections like pneumonia.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) also poses a particular risk to very young children.

Prevention and Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent the flu is through vaccination. In the Netherlands, the flu vaccine is offered annually to everyone over the age of 60, as well as individuals with underlying health vulnerabilities. However, the current vaccine uptake rate is around 55%.

Beyond vaccination, simple preventative measures can help limit the spread of respiratory infections. These include staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene, and covering coughs and sneezes.

Current Respiratory Infection Season

RIVM notes that the current respiratory infection season is also seeing an increase in cases of RSV and COVID-19. The organization began monitoring trends in respiratory infections in October 2025, recognizing the typical seasonal increase in coughs and sneezes during the autumn and winter months. Symptoms of these infections can overlap, including coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, and nasal congestion, sometimes accompanied by fever, muscle pain, headache, or tiredness.

While the healthcare system is managing the current situation, the combination of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 underscores the importance of preventative measures and vaccination, particularly for vulnerable populations. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to stay home to prevent further spread.

The situation remains dynamic, and RIVM continues to monitor the spread of respiratory infections closely, working with partners to assess the impact and provide guidance to the public and healthcare professionals.