As the respiratory virus season begins, barrier gestures have still not become a reflex among the French. This is the observation drawn up on Tuesday October 15 by Public Health France in view of the results of the last wave (August 30 – September 9) of the CoviPrev survey, set up since March 2020 to monitor the evolution of the adoption of prevention behaviors and mental health of the French population in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic.
A relaxation of barrier gestures confirmed
First observation: ” the low adoption of mask wearing is confirmed again this year, in all circumstances”indicates the health agency. If 29% of those questioned say they wear a mask often or systematically in the event of symptoms, in the presence of vulnerable people or in busy places, 43% say they never wear one in these three cases.
Equally worrying, 7% of respondents said they never wash their hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gel. “On average, whatever the barrier gesture concerned, the proportion of respondents declaring never respecting them was higher among men, people in a situation of inactivity, people unfavorable to vaccination in general, people declaring not be at risk of severe form of Covid-19, as well as people residing in rural areas”details Public Health France.
Why respecting barrier gestures is recommended
However, health authorities regularly remind people of the importance of barrier gestures against Covid-19, flu and other winter viruses, which are transmitted mainly by spit, contact with hands or contaminated objects (door handle, door knob). elevator, etc.).
“These simple preventive actions, adopted on a daily basis, help reduce the transmission of viral infections during epidemics,” reminds Health Insurance on its website. Wearing a mask, washing hands, using single-use tissues, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, physical distancing and ventilating rooms, when combined, “ block viruses and help protect yourself and those around you.”
A joint vaccination campaign against Covid-19 and flu
In addition, vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 is recommended for people at risk of developing a serious form of the disease. A new joint vaccination campaign also started on Tuesday October 15, 2024, until January 31, 2025.
It primarily targets:
- people aged 65 and over;
- people under 65, including children aged 6 months and over, suffering from certain chronic illnesses;
- people suffering from obesity (body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40);
- pregnant women;
- people with psychiatric disorders or dementia for vaccination against Covid-19 only.
“For these people, vaccination against the influenza is 100% covered upon presentation of the Vitale card and the Health Insurance voucher. In addition, anyone wishing to be vaccinated free of charge against Covid-19, even if they are not affected by the vaccination recommendations, will be able to be vaccinated.specifies the Ministry of Health.
Vaccination is also recommended for:
- those around infants at risk of serious influenza and immunocompromised people;
- home help for vulnerable individuals.
