It is October and seasonal respiratory infections are on the rise. In autumn and winter, there is an increase in people who are coughing and sneezing. Various viruses or bacteria can cause a respiratory infection. The most common are the influenza virus (flu), the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Some people become seriously ill, while others only have mild symptoms. A few simple recommendations can help limit the spread of respiratory infections and protect people who could become seriously ill.
A respiratory infection can range from mild cold symptoms to severe pneumonia. The most common symptoms of a respiratory infection are: coughing, sneezing, sore throat and nasal cold. This is sometimes accompanied by fever, muscle pain, headache or tiredness.
Some people are more at risk
A person who has a respiratory infection can pass it on to others, for example through coughing and sneezing. Although most people get better on their own after a few days, some may become seriously ill. For example, RSV is especially dangerous in very young children. COVID-19 and flu cause an additional risk of serious respiratory infection for older people and people who have chronic illnesses.
Many people with pneumonia last year
During the previous season (in 2023–2024), the number of people with acute respiratory symptoms peaked at several different points. These peaks were mainly caused by RSV, flu, and COVID-19. There were unusually high numbers of people with pneumonia during the winter months, even among children, adolescents and young adults. Many of them turned out to have a bacterial pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This is shown in the overview of patients with flu and other respiratory infections published annually by RIVM.
Preventing respiratory infections from spreading
If you develop symptoms that could indicate a respiratory infection, follow the recommendations below.
What to do if you have symptoms
You cannot completely avoid getting a respiratory infection. Still, these general recommendations will help you reduce the risk of passing it to others:
- Are you ill? Then stay home.
- Do you have mild symptoms? Work from home if you can. Consult your employer if necessary.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow.
- Keep your distance from others.
- Avoid contact with people who could become seriously ill from a respiratory infection.
- Impossible to avoid contact (for example because you provide informal care)? Wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose.
Good hygiene helps to limit the spread of infections and can help keep you from getting infected. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, and ventilate indoor spaces.
Vaccination
Vaccines are available for some of the viruses and bacteria that can cause respiratory infections. These vaccines protect people from serious illness. Examples in the Netherlands include vaccines against seasonal flu, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease and whooping cough.