Colleagues on sick leave, bedridden children, overwhelmed doctors: these signs of a surge in winter illnesses are confirmed by scientists’ arsenal of indicators: “Brittany is one of the four regions that have been placed in high activity regarding acute respiratory infections,” announces Caroline Guerrisi, epidemiologist at the Sentinelles network, which relies on field feedback from more than 1,000 general practitioners. The regional incidence rate was estimated at 426 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, for the week of December 9 to 15.
These acute respiratory infections include, without distinction, influenza, bronchiolitis and covid. “Their increase in Brittany follows the national trend which is normal for the season,” reassures the expert. All age groups are affected, but children aged 0 to 14 are a little more affected.
By studying the types of viruses in circulation, the Sentinels network mainly observes influenza and RSV, responsible for bronchiolitis, and “basically, covid but less than in past weeks”.
“Uses to emergency rooms have almost doubled”
This observation is supported by the Breton unit of Public Health France (SPF). “As of Thursday morning, we will go red for the flu, that is to say in the epidemic phase,” warns Bertrand Gagnière, epidemiologist. “In one week, visits to emergency rooms have almost doubled and we have also observed an increase in consultations with SOS Médecins,” he continues. No reason to panic because, here too, the curves follow the same trends as in past years. Unfortunately, Bertrand Gagnière notes “hospitalizations for flu and very serious cases in intensive care, most of the time in people who are not vaccinated”.
Brittany also remains in an epidemic phase for bronchiolitis in infants. “We think we are approaching the peak and we remain below the level of previous years,” comments the SPF epidemiologist. But, according to him, it is too early to assess the impact of the use of the two new preventive drugs for this season: an antibody administered to infants, Beyfortus, and a vaccine for pregnant women, Abrysvo, so that they protect their fetus.
“Not great” vaccination coverage
On the covid front, Bertrand Gagnière also notes “that we are in open countryside, there is almost none in Brittany”. One of the other key diseases of winter, gastroenteritis, is classified as “very moderate activity”.
To protect themselves against the flu and covid, the SPF epidemiologist calls on people over 65 years old or fragile, “to hurry up and get vaccinated: it takes a week to 15 days to raise the antibodies to the ceiling” . The first returns of vaccination coverage “are not great”.
And for other viruses, Bertrand Gagnière reminds us of “common sense” barrier gestures: “We cough into our sleeve and not in other people’s faces. When you are sick and in contact with people in closed spaces, it is recommended to wear a mask. And it really helps to wash your hands regularly.”
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