Flu season details: children at risk in Luxembourg

Health Minister Martine Deprez has given a detailed response to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Mars di Bartolomeo of the Luxembourg Social Democratic Party. She said children have been disproportionately affected by flu-like viruses this season.

Between December and January, more than 7,000 patients were treated at the Kannerklinik paediatric clinic, and already at the beginning of February, 90% of the beds were occupied. This indicates a significant strain on the health care system and emphasises that children have become one of the most vulnerable groups this season.

In addition, the Ministry of Health reported on vaccine distribution: 91,000 doses of influenza vaccine were delivered to pharmacies last winter and 12,800 COVID-19 vaccinations were administered between September and February. At the same time, 880 patients were hospitalised as a result of influenza and 550 people were hospitalised as a result of COVID-19.

These data indicate that the influenza season was particularly difficult for children, which requires additional attention to prevention and treatment of vulnerable groups. The Ministry continues to work on measures to increase the effectiveness of vaccination and improve the organisation of paediatric care in order to reduce the burden on the health care system in the future.