Faced with the increase in the number of cases of flu and the importance of cases of bronchiolitis, the University Hospital of Dijon (Côte-d’Or) has decided to impose the wearing of masks on patients and their visitors since Tuesday 31 December. No end date has been announced for the measure.
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Since Tuesday, December 31, wearing a mask is compulsory for patients and visitors who go to the Dijon University Hospital (Côte-d’Or).
“Remember to bring a mask if you come for a consultation, visit or other. Surgical masks and hydroalcoholic gel are available at the entrance to the halls. Hand hygiene in addition to wearing a mask is a measure of effective prevention against the transmission of respiratory viruses”indicates the CHU in a press release.
A decision taken by management in the face of epidemics of flu and bronchiolitis. “Over the past week, we have observed an increase in nosocomial cases of influenza and respiratory viruses. Locally, the number of hospitalized COVID cases also continues to increase.”
The decision came into force on Tuesday. No end date has yet been announced. But the measure could be extended by the end of January.
According to indicators, the seasonal flu epidemic affects all regions of France. The weekly bulletin on acute respiratory infections published by Public Health France indicates that the flu peak was reached the week of December 16 to 22.
► ALSO READ: Seasonal flu: Burgundy-Franche-Comté enters epidemic alert, how to protect yourself?
Age category most affected by the epidemic: under 15s. But the increase in emergency room visits and hospitalizations is also marked for people aged 65 and over.
In detail, 347 consultations for influenza-like illness were recorded per 100,000 inhabitants between December 16 and 22. Up 47.7% from the previous week. Emergency visits also increased by 88.4% (11,062 visits between December 16 and 22).
Bronchiolitis coast, the figures show a decline in the epidemic, to be confirmed in the coming weeks. The number of emergency room visits decreased by 6.8% the week of December 16 (3,784 in total). The number of hospitalizations also fell by 6.5% (1,176 in total).
In our region, we are in the third week of the bronchiolitis epidemic. The flu has reached the epidemic stage for the second week in a row.
► ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. Seasonal flu, on the rise after Christmas: “the month of January will be complicated” projects SOS Médecin
If you have not been affected by the flu, here are some tips to avoid risks according to Health Insurance.
- Adopt barrier gestures
- Wash your hands regularly with liquid soap and rubbing for 30 seconds
- Use a disposable nose blower to blow your nose, cough or sneeze. And throw it away immediately
- Do not bring your hands to your face
- Avoid shaking hands or kissing to say hello
- Keep your distance and stay one meter away from people you meet
- Avoid bringing an infant into public places
- Do not visit vulnerable people
- Open windows regularly to ventilate
According to Public Health France, each winter, 2 to 6 million people are affected by the flu virus and 10,000 deaths are recorded each year, more than 90% of which occur among people aged over 65.
