The flu continues to circulate in Occitania, placing the health system under great strain, according to the Regional Health Agency.
The flu continues to circulate intensely in Occitania, placing the health system under great strain. “The hospitalization rate linked to influenza remains very high. Last week, 830 people went to the emergency room and 191 were hospitalized », indicated the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Thursday January 16, based on data from Source Santé publique France.
More and more consultations linked to flu in the region
“In medical offices, the number of consultations for flu or influenza-like illness continues to increase. The number of cluster cases reported in medico-social establishments has also increased significantly in recent weeks,” the agency also reported. Since then, 6% of deaths recorded in Occitanie have been linked to the flu.
The epidemic started six weeks ago. “The flu is circulating intensely throughout the region and the epidemic is having a strong impact on our health system. To protect the most vulnerable, vaccination is still relevant and barrier gestures remain the right reflex to adopt for everyone,” insists the ARS.
-Flu vaccination is lacking in Occitania
Vaccination coverage remains insufficient in the region. Among serious cases admitted to intensive care, three quarters of patients were not vaccinated. At the end of November, only 34.4% of the eligible population had received a dose of vaccinecompared to 35.2% nationally.
The authorities recall that vaccination is the most effective way to reduce serious complications and deaths. It is recommended for vulnerable people and their entourage, as well as for health professionals. The vaccination campaign remains open until January 31. The ARS also emphasizes the importance of barrier gestures: regular hand washing, wearing a mask in the event of symptoms and ventilation of enclosed spaces.
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