News | RIVM

Levels of salt, saturated fat, and sugar in most foods has remained the same or decreased

The levels of salt, saturated fat, and sugar in most processed foods has remained the same or decreased since 2018.

Flu jab for additional groups

The flu jab is offered free of charge every year to people aged 60 years and older, and to people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from the flu virus due to medical reasons

Last winter’s flu epidemic was short and mild. And then COVID-19 arrived.

The flu epidemic in the winter of 2019/2020 was mild and lasted only 5 weeks.

De griepepidemie in de winter van 2019/2020 was mild en duurde slechts 5 weken.

Mild 2018-2019 influenza epidemic

The annual influenza epidemic in the winter of 2018-2019 was less severe than the year before. Approximately 400,000 people have had the flu.

Air quality Sint Maarten landfill

At the beginning of 2019, RIVM measured the air quality around the landfill at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten for two weeks. No or hardly any harmful substances were measured.

RIVM will make measurements around the Sint Maarten landfill

From 21 January 2019, a team from RIVM will travel to Sint Maarten to make measurements and take samples at various locations around the landfill in Philipsburg.

Influenza-like Illness Incidence Is Not Reduced by Influenza Vaccination

Influenza vaccination reduces the number of influenza virus infections but not the overall number of illness.

Less salt in certain foods, sugar contents remain unchanged

The salt content in bread was on average 19 percent lower compared to 2011. In addition, certain types of sauces, soups, canned vegetables and pulses, and crisps had a lower salt content.

Moderate flu season

Last winter season, the duration and severity of the influenza epidemic was moderate compared to previous years.

Eating less salt can prevent tens of thousands of heart attacks and strokes

Lowering the amount of salt in processed foods or choosing low-salt alternatives can lead to substantial health benefits when it comes to cardiovascular disease.