The bronchiolitis epidemic continued to progress in France last week, while the flu epidemic started slowly, Public Health France (SPF) reported on November 27.
In France, the increase in flu indicators already observed in towns and hospitals and in most age groups the previous week continued. But, they stayed last week “their basic level” in the majority of regions, with the exception of the Île-de-France regions (already passed into pre-epidemic), Hauts-de-France and Normandy (passed into pre-epidemic this week), we read in the weekly bulletin . In Reunion, the post-epidemic phase is over with indicators returning to their baseline level.
Indicators linked to bronchiolitis were increasing in town and in hospitals. “The detection rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in nasopharyngeal samples were increasing in both primary care and hospital settings, reports SPF. Other viruses likely to induce bronchiolitis continue to circulate in France, in particular rhinoviruses/enteroviruses.. Five regions are now in pre-epidemic (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Grand Est, Normandy, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Loire" rel="tag">Pays de la Loire) and seven in epidemic in France (the Auvergne-Rhône -Alpes, Brittany, Center- regions). Val de Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur have joined Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France).
Influenza-Covid vaccination of target populations, including caregivers
This season is marked by the deployment of two preventive treatments, Beyfortus from AstraZeneca and Sanofi – an antibody given directly to babies – and Abrysvo from Pfizer – a vaccine administered to pregnant women. Beyfortus had already been the subject of an immunization campaign last year and studies agree to conclude that it limited the hospitalizations of babies in France and in the few other countries where it was tested. Pediatricians, who strongly support its use, are calling for it to be better reimbursed in the city (up to 30% this year), while the remainder remains too high for certain families according to the contracts signed with mutual insurance companies.
As for Covid-19, the indicators remained stable in town and in hospital, across all age groups. The positivity rate for Sars-CoV-2 in the city and in hospitals, as well as the level of circulation in wastewater, was down in S47 compared to the previous week. “People testing positive for Sars-CoV-2 among patients admitted to the intensive care unit were mainly people aged 65 and over and unvaccinated”underlines the agency.
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against influenza and Covid-19, particularly severe forms of these diseases,” recalled SPF, stressing that“It’s not too late.” A combined vaccination campaign against flu and Covid began in mid-October for people at risk, but also for their entourage and caregivers. But, in addition to preventive treatments, the agency points out that it is « indispensable » to adopt barrier gestures (wearing a mask, ventilating premises, washing hands), particularly in the event of symptoms.
Vaccinate before an epidemic accelerates, urge the authorities
The Ministry of Health and Access to Care, Health Insurance and Public Health France are launching a “call for the mobilization of citizens and health professionals to protect the most vulnerable people and those with whom they are in contact”, we read in a joint press release. “Given the winter period, the epidemic dynamics of respiratory viruses is likely to accelerate rapidly in the coming weeks and requires preparation,” warn the authorities as the end-of-year holidays approach. Information campaigns for healthcare professionals and awareness campaigns for vulnerable policyholders (emails on ameli accounts, text messages, voice messages) are being deployed. This year, more than 17.2 million people were invited by Health Insurance to be vaccinated against the flu and Covid.
