Patients complain that the current variant is worse than the ones from previous seasons but health officials assured the nation that the situation is under control. The clinics of the Regionale Gezondheidsdienst (RGD) recently sounded the alarm over the rise in the number of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).

“The symptoms look similar to those of COVID-19,” said Bobby Ramautar, chairman of the Association of RGD Doctors (VRA). According to Ramautar, these cases are currently labeled as normal respiratory tract infections. “We advise people to wear a surgical mask and to steer clear from their workplace when they have serious symptoms in order to avoid coming into contact with other people. Patients are prescribed medicine and are told to follow precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the RTI as much as possible,” said the VRA chairman.

Health Director Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul advises people to stick to the basic precautionary measures that were in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that people should wear a surgical mask if they have an RTI and that they should regularly wash their hands and sanitize their workplace. It also recommended for people with serious symptoms to see a doctor immediately and to stay home to keep the flu and RTIs from spreading. Statistics from the Public Health Bureau (BOG) show that the number of fever combined with RTI cases and cases of a cold without airway problems from the past six weeks is higher than a year before. Although there is no reason for special concern, health officials urge people to remain cautious.