The annual epidemic of bronchiolitisparticularly affecting infants, has just started in mainland France, with Île-de-France as a pioneer region, but also in Guadeloupe and in Martiniqueannounced Public health France. In Brittany, the region has moved into the pre-epidemic phase, indicating a likely expansion to other regions in the coming weeks.
Bronchiolitis, a respiratory tract infection in babies, is constantly increasing in healthcare services. city medicine and hospitals. During the week of October 21 to 27, 1,552 children under the age of 2 presented to the emergency room for symptoms associated with this pathology. Of these, 497 were hospitalized, the overwhelming majority of them infants under the age of one. “THE syndromic indicators linked to bronchiolitis were increasing (…) but remaining at levels lower than those observed in the three years preceding the same period“, specified the health agency in its weekly report.
The situation quickly evolved into Île-de-France and to Antillestwo areas particularly affected at the start of the season. In Martinique and Guadeloupe, the epidemic has spread among a population already exposed to successive waves of seasonal diseases. Overseas, Guyana has been dealing with bronchiolitis since the end of July, illustrating the scale that the epidemic could take in the weeks to come.
The importance of barrier gestures
Bronchiolitis, often caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is particularly feared for its respiratory complications, particularly in babies and the elderly. This year, the authorities have implemented two preventive treatments: Beyfortus, an antibody developed by AstraZeneca et Sanofi administered directly to infants, andAbrysvo of Pfizera vaccine given to pregnant women to protect their babies from birth. These treatments aim to reduce severe cases and hospitalizations. “Beyfortus had already been the subject of an immunization campaign last year and studies agree to conclude that it limited the hospitalization of babies in France and in the few other countries where it was tested “, confirms Public Health France.
Public Health France also reminds the importance of barrier gestures. “In addition to vaccinations and preventive treatments, the adoption of barrier gestures remains essential to protect against all winter diseases”underlines the agency. These actions include frequent hand washing, regular ventilation of rooms as well as wearing a mask for people with symptoms, particularly in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people.
The flu and Covid-19 are back
At the same time, Public Health France is observing trends for seasonal flu and the Covid-19in anticipation of a triple epidemic threat. The flu remains sporadic in mainland France but is already rife in Reunion, in an epidemic since the end of September. Covid-19, for its part, is in decline, both in medical practices and in hospitals, and this trend is also confirmed by the drop in its presence in wastewater.
A combined vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 started in mid-October for the most vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with comorbidities.
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