There ” triple epidemic “which France is facing, with the simultaneous circulation of Covid-19, bronchiolitis and influenza, is” completely new “. Its evolution is difficult to predict, underlined Public Health France, Friday, December 2.
At the end of 2022, the flu hits the metropolis early and adds to a Covid-19 in full recovery as well as, in infants, to bronchiolitis at record levels for more than ten years. This situation hits an already tested health system, as in other countries, notably the United States. ” The situation is completely new » and filled with « uncertainties summed up Didier Che, Deputy Director of Infectious Diseases, during a press briefing from Public health France.
” Co-circulations »
” In previous years, there were more respiratory viruses that followed one another: a first circulation of rhinoviruses gave way to RSVs (main virus involved in bronchiolitis editor’s note), which, very generally, gave way to the flu. There, we have co-circulations “, detailed the epidemiologist Sophie Vaux. This condition is ” worrying “because the addition of these pathologies can lead to ” a fairly strong clinical impact, particularly on hospitals “, she added. And this, even if these viruses do not affect “ not exactly the same populations “, the flu and the Covid-19 mainly affecting the oldest and most vulnerable, bronchiolitis mainly infants.
So he is ” difficult to predict the occurrence of peaks of the three epidemics, in particular a possible simultaneous peak of Covid-19 and influenza, or even bronchiolitis, at Christmas. One of the big unknowns is a possible competition between the influenza and Covid-19 viruses which could make their coexistence difficult and limit the risk of simultaneous peaks. ” It still takes a little time to know if this notion of “viral cannibalism” is confirmed “, judged Didier Che for which he is also” too early to draw conclusions from the US situation “.
” Preventive arsenal »
But, he again insisted, France is not “ not yet completely destitute » and has « a preventive arsenal in the face of this triple epidemic. The public body Public Health France has insisted more than ever on vaccination against Covid-19 but also the flu, as the end of the year celebrations approach with family gatherings conducive to the transmission of viruses. Barrier gestures (mask in closed places, hand washing, ventilation) are also strongly recommended.
(with AFP)
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