BRUSSELS, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- With 160 consultations per 100,000 inhabitants, the epidemic threshold of flu was exceeded for the first time this season in Belgium, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Scientific Institute of Public Health (SIP).

Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 14 of this year, 160 people per 100,000 people consulted a GP because of a flu-like illness, which means that the epidemic threshold was crossed for the first time this year. If the threshold is exceeded once more next week, the SIP will officially announce an epidemic of flu in Belgium.

A flu condition is characterized by significant fever (above 39 degrees), coughing, and body aches. For a healthy person, shaking off a flu infection should take up to a week. However, some more fragile individuals, such as the elderly, may have complications related to superinfection.

Since the beginning of January, the severity and intensity of flu have also been monitored through a sentinel network of six hospitals located around the country: two in Wallonia, two in Brussels and two in Flanders. The number of GP visits for other types of respiratory conditions is also increasing, especially in the 15-64 age group of the population.

The SIP advises people in at-risk groups who are not yet immunized to contact their GP to assess their individual situation. The organization is reminded people that antibiotics are not effective against flu because it is a viral infection.