“We have reached the epidemic threshold for influenza and we are still on the upward curve”summarizes Professor Michel Carles, head of the infectious diseases department at Nice University Hospital. The Nice hospital, like all establishments in the department, is facing a massive influx of patients combined with absenteeism from caregivers, who are themselves sick.
“The latest figures, relating to the week of December 30 to January 5, show 35% of positive flu tests, compared to 23% at the national level. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region is the most affected by this epidemic after Île-de-France”alerts the specialist.
“The emergency departments of hospitals in the Alpes-Maritimes are all saturated. Everywhere, we are trying to open beds but we are faced with a shortage of staff.”
Scheduled care impacted by the flu
It is indeed a vicious circle: many unvaccinated caregivers have also contracted the flu and are arrested. “This prevents the opening of beds but also the carrying out of scheduled care”insists Professor Carles.
However, the doctor indicates measures to be taken quickly: “people who have not been vaccinated must be vaccinated. This reduces the risk of hospitalization linked to the flu by half. In addition, it is essential to respect barrier measures: wearing a mask, washing hands , ventilation of rooms. We still see too many people coughing on public transport without a mask.
-“Finally, in the event of symptoms (fever, aches, respiratory problems, you should first consult your attending physician. It is he who will redirect if he considers that the patient’s condition requires hospitalization or a visit to the Emergencies. In addition, he will be able to prescribe antiviral treatment which is effective if administered early.
“Wrongly perceived as a minor phenomenon”
Please note that it is possible to do a quick test at the pharmacy to determine if it is indeed the flu.
“If it represents more than 40% of viral isolates detected in tests carried out nationally, 25% are rhinoviruses, 18% RSV [Virus respiratoire syncytial] and 8% of Covid”specifies the infectious disease specialist from Nice who insists.
“We find ourselves in this situation because there is a general lack of awareness among the population regarding vaccination. The flu is wrongly perceived as a minor phenomenon!”
