FLU EPIDEMIC 2022. Influenza is progressing in France with 9 regions in the epidemic phase and 4 in the pre-epidemic phase. There is an increase in hospitalizations among those aged 65 and over. We must protect ourselves because this year, the flu could be more deadly and we must at all costs get vaccinated.
[Mis à jour le 8 décembre 2022 à 10h53] Influenza progresses in France in all age groups reports the latest French public health bulletin of December 7, 2022. 9 regions are in the epidemic phase (red on the map): Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Centre-Val de Loire, Grand Est, Île-de-France, Hauts-de-France and Provence-Alpes- French Riviera, Normandy and Brittany. 4 regions are in pre-epidemic (orange on the map): Corsica, New Aquitaine, Occitanie and Pays de la Loire. In this viral context, France must “redouble your efforts” in terms of vaccination, estimates the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), on December 5, 2022. The campaign, launched on October 18, suffers from a “much slower start than in the past two years, raising fears of a return to pre-pandemic levels of coverage“. WHO recommends a vaccination rate of 75%. However, “we have not had a strong flu epidemic for two years and therefore our overall immunity to the flu has probably waned“, warned Professor Brigitte Autran, president of Covars, on October 4 on RMCbefore‘hugely’ encourage double flu and Covid vaccination. The threat of a deadlier seasonal flu than in previous years (she was absent during the winter of 2020-2021), and the risk of excess mortality linked to viral co-infections, are to be feared, reports the Academy of Medicine. Must therefore be careful and again respect the barrier gestures (mask, ventilation…). What are the flu symptoms ? The incubation period? The disease duration ? Is she contagious ? What are the treatments (natural or medicinal) to heal quickly? When to get vaccinated? Our special file on the flu.
Epidemic 2022: how many cases of flu at the moment?
The flu epidemic continues to progress in France, in all age groups, for week 48 (December 1-7, 2022). According to Public Health France, as of December 7, 2022, the incidence rate of consultations for an influenza-like illness is 201/100,000 inhabitants a clear increase compared to the previous week (+39%). This upward trend was observed in all age groups. Since the start of monitoring, 32 serious cases were admitted to intensive care.
2022 flu epidemic map
According to Public Health France, as of December 7, 2022:
- Marked increase in flu indicators in all age groups
- 9 regions in epidemic phase and 4 in the pre-epidemic phase
- Very strong increase in hospitalizations, particularly for people aged 65 and over
- Majority circulation of A(H3N2) virus
- Overseas: Martinique, Mayotte and Reunion: continuation of the flu epidemic
Definition: what is a flu?
The flu is a acute respiratory infectiondue to a influenza virus, while an influenza-like illness can be caused by many other respiratory viruses like rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, etc. Influenza viruses are mainly divided into two types: A and Bdividing themselves into two subtypes (A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) pdm09) or lineages (B/Victoria and B/Yamagata). Type A influenza viruses circulate in many animal species (ducks, chickens, pigs, horses, seals, etc.). Influenza viruses from B-type circulate mainly in humans. Viruses A and B cause seasonal epidemics in humans, but only type A viruses have been responsible for pandemics to date, points out Public Health France. In autumn 2022, the A(H3N2) virus circulates mainly in France.
What are typical flu symptoms?
Each year, flu epidemics can affect all age groups, but the most vulnerable people are the children under two years old, adults over 65 and people with certain chronic diseases. Early symptoms of the flu include:
- great fatigue,
- chills even when you are not cold,
- a dry, painful cough
- then comes the fever which can rise to more than 39°c,
- aches,
- headaches…
In all cases, in case of sudden aggravation or without improvement of the state 72 hours after the first symptomsit is essential see a doctor.
When to get the flu shot?
Vaccination is recommended for people at risk and healthcare professionals, and is the best way to protect against influenza and its complications. It’s necessary allow approximately 15 days between vaccination and the time when the body is protected against the flu. No need to wait for the first cold weather or the start of the epidemic to get vaccinated.
How long does a flu last?
A hard flu between 3 and 7 days (5 days on average).
What is the incubation time for the flu?
“The incubation time (the time between the moment of illness and the appearance of symptoms) generally lasts between 24 and 48 hours, but it can be extended to 72 hoursrecalls Dr. Parneix. However, the patient is contagious, even before the appearance of symptoms and this, during an average period of 6 days.“
Is the flu contagious?
The flu is a contagious disease. The patient can transmit it “even before the onset of symptoms and during an average period of 6 days“ recalls our interlocutor.
To be infected with the flu virus, you must be in contact with someone who already has the flu. Contamination can occur in three ways:
- The first by airway : a sick person projects droplets of saliva into the air, when talking, coughing or sneezing. Millions of viruses are then found in the air, ready to be inhaled and contaminate you.
- The second, by close direct contact : a sick person shakes your hand or kisses you.
- Finally, contamination can occur through the contact with touched objects by a sick person, for example a doorknob or a telephone.
- Cough at the bend of the elbow and cover the nose when sneezing,
- Wash your hands with soap regularly throughout the day, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Blow your nose in a tissue and then throw it in the trash, ideally closed with a lid,
- Carry a surgical mask if you are sick and you have to go to a closed and public place, this prevents contaminating others.
- the hydroalcoholic gel is also practical, but in the long term it can dry out the hands.
- Finally, remember to air the rooms regularly, several times a day: you will thus eliminate stagnant viruses in the air, through sneezing and breathing.
Treatment: how to cure a flu?
In case of flu-like symptoms:
- Consult the doctor quickly. He or she will be able to make the diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate medications.
- Take some paracetamol to reduce fever, aches and pains.
- The vitamin C is also sometimes recommended to combat fatigue. Similarly, certain foods are particularly recommended to better combat fatigue.
- If necessary, you can complete with a nasal decongestant and one cough suppressant for dry and stubborn coughs.
- Finally, it is necessary drink plenty and rest.
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What are the natural treatments to relieve the flu?
Garlic, lemon, honey, thyme… Several natural solutions can help boost the immune defenses in the prevention or treatment of the flu.
What are the figures for the last flu epidemic (2021)?
According to the epidemiological update published in October 2022 by Santé Publique France, influenza viruses began to circulate in December 2021. The epidemic started in March, peaked nationally in early April and ended in late April, that is 9 weeks of epidemic. No other influenza epidemic had reached its peak as late over the period 2009-2022. A co-circulation of A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) viruses was observed, with a diversity of viral strains detected. Its impact was moderate in the general population, but important in children under 15.
What should I do if my child catches the flu?
To prevent your child from contracting the flu virus, it is important to teach him how to blow his nose in a single-use tissue, to cover his nose to his mouth when sneezing or coughing. In any case, consult your pediatrician so that he can examine him and administer, depending on the case, the most appropriate treatment, especially against fever.
To limit the seasonal flu epidemic, it is essential to adopt simple preventive measures on a daily basis aimed at limiting the circulation of the flu virus, particularly in communities and on public transport where it is easily transmitted. For those around people with the flu, it is recommended to respect these few hygiene rules:
- Wash your hands regularly and systematically after each outing and each contact with the sick person.
- Avoid close contact with the person with the flu and in particular if you yourself are vulnerable or “at risk” (pregnant women, seniors, people suffering from a chronic illness or immunocompromised, young children, etc.)
- Wash yourself regularly hands with soap and water, or if you cannot do otherwise, with a hydro-alcoholic solution, especially after any contact with the patient and after each return home.
- Do not share objects such as glasses, cutlery and of course toothbrushes.
- Ventilate its interior every day between 10 and 15 minutes to renew the air and prevent the proliferation of viruses.
- Clean germ nests such as door handles, remote controls, phone screens…
Thank you to Dr Pierre Parneix, medical officer of health and hospital practitioner in public health (Bordeaux University Hospital).