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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)
Autumn has barely begun and Covid-19 contaminations are already increasing. Some cases of flu are also starting to appear and we already know that the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes bronchiolitis in infants, will soon be circulating. Should we fear these viruses and this possible triple epidemic? The answers of Dr Gérald Kierzek.
On October 15, the vaccination campaign against flu and Covid-19 will begin, for the most vulnerable people. But already, particularly because of Covid, many people have fallen ill and some doctors also mention the first cases of flu, seen in consultations or in hospital.
When the respiratory syncytial virus makes a comeback – with a peak in cases of bronchiolitis but also infections in adults and the elderly, we could once again find ourselves facing a “triple epidemic”, like last year.
Should we fear it? We asked the question to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
Winter viruses, which take hold with bad weather
“The triple epidemic refers to the simultaneous circulation of three viruses, causing respiratory pathologies” explains Dr Chun Tang, a doctor attached to the English NHS, in an article for The Independent. “These are Covid-19, influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus, during the fall and winter seasons.”
The doctor adds: “Each of these viruses can cause serious illness, particularly among vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.”.
A significant risk of co-infection for the most vulnerable
The other major concern with these viruses is that they put pressure on hospitals when they circulate together because they cause a large influx of patients. This will concern a particular category of people, according to Dr Gérald Kierzek. “The triple epidemic is to be feared for the most vulnerable who risk being co-infected by the three viruses. explains the doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
“With a precarious state of health, this can have serious consequences and lead to the need for hospitalization. These are also patients who are at risk of dying from complications. Because these three viruses independently or cumulatively are syndemic and aggravate another underlying pathology.
Hospital tensions which worsen the situation
On the subject of hospital pressure, the doctor does not mince his words and still deplores the situation of public hospitals in France. “In terms of vulnerability, we must point the finger at our health system and the hospital which have become vulnerable due to the closures of beds, emergency services or intensive care units.” insists the emergency doctor once again. “Not forgetting the lack of primary care doctors“.
Before concluding that unfortunately, “our health system is weakened and therefore threatened with breakdown with each new health event.”
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