Flu
If you have the flu, you suddenly feel unwell. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. You can catch the flu repeatedly because there are various types of flu viruses that keep changing.
Flu is somewhat different from a common cold, as you often feel more ill with the flu. The flu is contagious: you can transmit it to someone else, making them ill as well. The flu viruses are present in droplets of snot, mucus, phlegm, and saliva.
Where does flu occur?
The flu occurs all over the world. In the Netherlands, the flu appears every year, usually during the winter months; this is referred to as seasonal flu. The frequency of flu cases is different every year. The RIVM monitors the development of the flu virus through surveillance.
What are the symptoms?
The flu often begins very suddenly. Within a few hours, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- High fever (38 degrees or more)
- Headache
- Muscle aches and fatigue
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Difficulty breathing
How to prevent the flu?
You can prevent flu infection by applying hygiene measures, such as the following: touch your nose, eyes, and mouth as little as possible. Use tissues. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, ventilate well and regularly clean door handles, taps and handrails.
Protecting yourself against flu
A flu vaccination can reduce your risk of getting flu. KLM Health Services only offers flu vaccinations when the vaccine is available in the Netherlands and your employer has an agreement with us for this service.
To find out whether you can get a flu vaccination through your employer, please check with your employer.
Can I get a flu vaccination at KLM Health Services?
Yes, but only if the flu vaccine is available and your employer has arranged flu vaccinations with KLM Health Services.
Not every employer that is a KLM Health Services customer has included flu vaccinations in their agreement. Please check with your employer to find out whether this applies to you.
Make an appointment for vaccinations
If your employer has an agreement with KLM Health Services for flu vaccinations and the vaccine is available, you can make an appointment via the booking route provided by your employer.
More information
Would you like to know more about Flu, please visit: Flu | RIVM.
Would you like to know whether the Flu vaccination is relevant for your organisation or employees? KLM Health Services is happy to support you with a suitable approach.