Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 30, 2025 3 weeks, 1 day, 9 hours, 7 minutes ago
Medical News: Flu Season Turns Deadly in Belgium with Shocking Surge in Elderly Deaths
Belgium is currently grappling with its deadliest flu season in nearly a decade, with official data confirming that more than 2500 people have died above the expected numbers in recent months due to flu-related complications. This unexpected rise in fatalities has pushed the national excess mortality rate to a concerning 10.8 percent - marking the worst seasonal toll in the past seven years. Virologists and health experts say the elderly, especially those aged 85 and older, have been hit the hardest by this brutal wave.
Current Flu Season Has Caused 26,363 Related Deaths in Belgium!
The excess death rate was calculated by Belgium’s leading health science institute, Sciensano, which reported that between December 9th - the official start of the flu season - and now, a total of 26,363 deaths have occurred. That figure overshadows the projected 23,802 deaths for the same period. This
Medical News report is based on those critical findings and observations from medical professionals monitoring the crisis. What’s more alarming is that the death toll could continue to rise in the coming weeks as the flu season, though nearing its end, has not yet officially concluded.
Six Weeks of Unrelenting Mortality Increases
Since the beginning of 2025, Belgium has experienced six straight weeks of statistically significant excess deaths. While flu seasons naturally vary in intensity from year to year, this one has proven to be particularly devastating. Professor Steven Van Gucht, one of Belgium’s most prominent virologists, explains, “We’ve seen a massive number of flu cases this season, and unfortunately, this has been reflected in the mortality numbers.”
To find a comparable flu season, one would have to go back to 2018, when Belgium experienced a 12.1 percent excess mortality rate during the flu period. An even deadlier season occurred in 2017, with a shocking 17.7 percent excess mortality. The difference, however, is that during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, flu infections drastically declined due to widespread lockdowns, mask mandates, and other public health measures. “Back then, excess mortality was more closely tied to COVID-19 rather than flu,” Prof Van Gucht added.
The End May Be Near but Risks Remain
There is, however, a glimmer of hope. Current data suggests the flu season may be reaching its end. “The peak of flu infections seems to have passed, and if this trend continues, we expect the epidemic to conclude within the next two weeks,” said Prof Van Gucht. But he warned that figures could still rise slightly before things normalize.
Elderly Population Bearing the Brunt
The flu has proven especially lethal for the elderly. Those aged 85 and above have suffered the highest increase in deaths, with 14.9 percent excess mortality recorded among this age group - equating to 1,612 additional deaths. “Roughly 6 out of
every 10 excess deaths are among individuals over 80 years old,” Prof Van Gucht said. Many of these individuals reside in care homes and often have preexisting health conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to infections.
However, the impact has not been limited to the oldest age group. The 65 to 84 age group also saw a 7.1 percent increase in deaths, translating to 719 more fatalities than expected. Even younger populations have not been spared, with a 7.7 percent excess mortality rate (224 additional deaths) observed among those up to 64 years of age.
Conclusion A Wake Up Call for Public Health Readiness
This year’s brutal flu season in Belgium serves as a harsh reminder that influenza remains a serious public health threat, especially for older adults and those with chronic health conditions. The fact that excess mortality reached its highest level in seven years despite improved healthcare infrastructure and public awareness underscores the unpredictable nature of seasonal viruses. It also raises critical questions about preparedness, vaccination strategies, and support for the elderly in care settings. As countries begin to ease up on pandemic-era health interventions, the return of traditional respiratory illnesses like the flu must not be underestimated. Early detection, timely vaccination, and targeted protection for vulnerable groups must remain high on the healthcare agenda moving forward.
https://www.sciensano.be/en/biblio/bulletin-infections-respiratoires-aigues-semaine-12-2025-publie-26-03-25
https://www.sciensano.be/en/biblio/bulletin-acute-luchtweginfecties-week-12-2025-gepubliceerd-op-26032025
For the latest Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
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