Covid-19 is circulating in the Grand Est, here is what you need to know as Christmas approaches

See my news
Follow Lorraine News

While France is experiencing an increase in acute respiratory infections as the end-of-year holidays approach, in the Grand Est, Covid-19 is still circulating.

A true moment of reunion with family and friends, this festive period is conducive to increased circulation of this coronavirus.

We detail the regional situation and the tips to protect yourself yourself and your loved ones.

What about Covid-19 here?

For two months in France, we have observed a shift in the circulation of Covid-19. Although its activity is currently low, it has not disappeared.

In the Grand Est, from November 4 to 1^is December, we observe a stagnation around 100 visits per week to the emergency room for suspected Covid-19, according to the epidemiological bulletin. Over the same period last year, these figures varied between 250 and 300.

What should you be wary of?

On the other hand, according to the latest results from the Sentinels network, from November 25 to 1^is December, the Grand Est was one of the most severely affected regions by acute respiratory infections.

Covid-19, influenza and bronchiolitis are part of contagious acute respiratory infections of viral origin. It's actually of this set of respiratory diseases that we must be wary of during this period.

“For bronchiolitis, in the Grand Est, we are in epidemic area», alerts Doctor Frédéric Le Guillou, pulmonologist and president of the Santé respiratory France association.

He insists: “People think it only concerns children, but that’s not true. adults are also affected . Bronchiolitis causes 1,800 adult deaths per year. »

Why be careful at this time?

These respiratory diseases with similar symptoms are therefore not not to be underestimated.Especially since the holiday season calls for caution.

“This period is an opportunity for gatherings and travel, so there is a greater circulation of viruses», assures Doctor Le Guillou, pointing in particular to the promiscuity of public transport, in which asymptomatic people can still be contagious.

These loved ones who must be taken care of

These viruses can be even more dangerous if transmitted to people at risk. And people with fragile healthFrédéric Le Guillou recalls that we all meet them during this period .

People aged over 65, pregnant women, people with co-morbidities or children under one year old… If you encounter this at-risk population during the holidays, you must take even more precautions.

So, what to do?

Doctor Le Guillou calls for a common responsibility: “It is appropriate for everyone to take precautions. As soon as you have a cold and are around vulnerable people, you put on a mask. » In the event of symptoms or at the slightest suspicion, a diagnosis must be made as quickly as possible.

Concerning Covid-19, Frédéric Le Guillou recalls that it is essential to be vaccinated againto benefit from optimal protection. The 2021 and 2022 vaccines are no longer effective in the face of the arrival of the JN.1 variant and its sub-variants.

How to be calm at Christmas?

If you are not up to date with your vaccinations, it's not yet too late. It takes around two weeks for it to be effective, so by making an appointment now, you will be able to be protected and protect your loved ones for the end of the month.

The Covid-19 vaccine is covered by Social Security, so it can be carried out free of charge near you.

” More you must not delay», urges the pulmonologist.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.