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It causes 10,000 deaths per year: Let’s protect ourselves from seasonal flu

Unfortunately, vaccination coverage remains insufficient. Last year it stood at 47.1% among people targeted by vaccination, 54.0% among those aged 65 and over and 25.4% among those under 65 at risk of severe influenza. Figures lower than the 2022-2023 season. The health system also experienced a high level of intensity in terms of hospitalizations at the end of January and the beginning of February.

Respiratory and cardiovascular complications

Indeed, as Professor Olivier Hanon points out, “the flu can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular complications, particularly in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The risk of hospitalization for a respiratory or cardiac complication is significantly increased after an influenza infection. In fact, in the weeks that follow, patients see their risk of myocardial infarction multiplied by 6 to 10, and their risk of stroke multiplied by 3 to 8.” Hence the importance of raising awareness among these populations about vaccination and respect for barrier gestures. “We are fortunate to have vaccines against influenza and its complications. Vaccination is an essential prevention tool that reduces the risk of mortality by 43%, reduces respiratory infections by 20% and reduces the risk of cardiovascular accidents by 26%. In addition to barrier gestures, it therefore offers valuable protection against the virus and its complications. »

“G-HOLD YOURSELF!” »

Patient associations, pharmaceutical laboratories, research institutes and health professionals have joined forces within the “GRIPPE-TOI!” coalition. “. It aims to establish a new dialogue in order to reflect on the problem linked to the vaccination of adults at risk and to propose concrete actions. Like, for example, a vaccination strategy which must be at the heart of the concerns of politicians and the administration.

Health

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