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Even though the spring season has begun, the state of influenza continues to be an increasingly frequent reason for consultation. The flu epidemic is on the rise everywhere in France, according to the latest report from the National Public Health Agency.
Where is the flu epidemic in France?
The influenza epidemic continues in all regions of metropolitan France, except in Guyana, according to the weekly epidemiological bulletin of Public Health France dated March 30, 2022. This trend is observed in all age groups.
Compared to week 11, from Monday March 14 to Sunday March 20, an increase of more than 51% is observed in week 12 (March 21 to 27). The number of emergency visits also increased by 29%. This year, the circulation of a virus predominates: the A(H3N2) virus compared to A(H1N1)pdm09.
In general practice, the rate of consultations for flu syndrome was, in week 12, 279 per 100,000 inhabitants (it was 185 the previous week). The number of consultations for flu-like illness was also on the rise on the side of SOS doctor. However, for the moment, the Health Agency indicates that “the level of intensity in outpatient medicine for flu-like illness [reste] at a moderate level”.
This is also the case for hospitalizations, which remain on the rise, but at a measured level. In week 12, 8,918 visits to the emergency room were reported as well as 908 hospitalizations, an increase of +22% compared to the previous week.
However, Public Health France indicates that “Regarding mortality, a marked increase in the share of influenza-related deaths from the electronic certification system has been observed since week 07”hence the need to continue to protect the most vulnerable.
Consult a GP online
Based on preliminary data given by the Public Health Agency on the effectiveness of the flu vaccine, experts say “in favor of moderate to high efficacy against the A(H1N1)pdm09 virus and low against A(H3N2)”. This may be related to the rather late onset of the flu epidemic this year, which usually peaks in February. Nevertheless, “These results are based on limited staff and will have to be consolidated in the coming weeks..”
This intensive circulation of the influenza virus could “very probably“to be favored by”easing of control measures for the COVID-19 pandemic”, notes the epidemiological report.
This is why, in the current context, we must act in prevention by maintaining respect for barrier gestures in order to limit the spread of influenza viruses, but also of Covid-19 and other transmissible pathogens.
To protect the people most likely to develop a severe form, especially the elderly, we must continue to:
- Wear the mask;
- Wash your hands regularly or disinfect them with a hydro-alcoholic solution;
- Ventilate the premises regularly;
- Cough into his elbow;
- Use single-use tissues.
Moreover, vaccination also remains one of the best means of combating viral epidemics.