Flu epidemic underway - symptoms last longer

Switzerland is in the midst of a major flu epidemic at the moment – and many pharmacists are observing infections are lasting longer.

The Federal Health Office says figures show last week 16,000 people visited their doctor with flu symptoms. 

But doctors say it’s not just the flu – but persistent colds.

Pharmacists are also noticing people are taking longer to recover. Dominique Bätscher from the Sankt Gallen and Appenzell Pharmacists’ Association says colleagues report more suffering from persistent colds. 

That’s also backed up by the national Pharmacists Association. 

Bätscher believes it’s a hangover from covid. She says the mask wearing and hand washing has weakened immune systems and so it’s taking longer to shake infections. 

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