Aches, coughs, fever, headaches, fenua doctors see the first flu patients in their offices.
If in France the epidemic has been raging since January 1, a peak is expected in the coming weeks in Polynesia. A discrepancy observed every year, but which provides time to anticipate its impact on fenua.
« This delay is really a window of opportunity for us to be able to prepare and try to stop or slow down a big flu season in the country. », underlines Doctor André Wattiaux, doctor at the ARASS Health Monitoring Centre.
Health authorities are calling for even more caution as the flu is expected to be severe this year. Three strains of virus are currently circulating in France where the epidemic has intensified. 87 hospitals are also under pressure and have been forced to trigger their white plan due to the influx of patients
At the French Polynesia Hospital Center, caregivers are preparing while they are already facing epidemics of dengue and whooping cough. Depending on the evolution of the data, the hospital will enter vigilance or pre-alert.
« In the white plan, there are alert thresholds and vigilance thresholds. So, we monitor a certain number of indicators, including emergency room visits over three-day periods to smooth out the peaks. We also monitor absenteeism daily, because we must bear in mind that an epidemic can have devastating effects on hospital staff. Depending on the arrival at certain thresholds, certain measures are triggered », Explains Jean-Marie Savio, director of general administration and security at the CHPF.
-Faced with the threat of an epidemic, it is recommended to apply barrier gestures. Vaccination is also strongly encouraged for people at risk.
« People eligible for free vaccination are people aged over 60, those suffering from a chronic illness such as diabetes, cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, people suffering from obesity, pregnant women and certain people. professional categories such as healthcare and tourism personnel », Indicates Doctor Laurence Rochat, doctor specializing in infectious and tropical diseases.
In Fenua, the vaccination campaign began on November 12, 2024 and continues until April 30, 2025. In total, 3,400 doses of vaccine are available in the territory, in addition to those that have already been administered. Sufficient stock to cover the target population.
« People over 60 can come with their identity cards, those with chronic illnesses with their ‘long illness’ cards, pregnant women with their pregnancy certificates and professionals with their professional cards. They can go directly to a pharmacy where they will be given the vaccine free of charge. Some approved pharmacies can vaccinate directly and free of charge on site. If the pharmacy is not authorized for vaccination, the person will be referred to a health professional », Continues Laurence Rochat.
Because the flu is not to be taken lightly. Last year, at fenua, 11 patients died and it led to 259 hospitalizations.
