The seasonal flu epidemic has spread throughout France, while that of bronchiolitis concerns twelve regions, Public Health France (SPF) indicated on December 18. More broadly, activity for acute respiratory infections is increasing in town and in hospitals in all age groups. Hospitalizations after visits to the emergency room mainly concerned those under 15 years old.
In the week ending December 15, eight regions entered into an influenza epidemic, with all regions being in the epidemic phase, in “all age groups”, except Corsica which passed into “pre-epidemic”. Co-circulation of viruses (H1N1)pdm09 and B was observed, reports SPF. Overseas, only Martinique was in pre-epidemic, specifies the health agency bulletin.
Bronchiolitis continues to increase, but at lower levels than in previous years
In France, except again for Corsica still at the basic level, the bronchiolitis epidemic affected all regions but, in comparison with previous years, its level of intensity was at this stage described as “weak or moderate”it is indicated. The detection rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in nasopharyngeal samples were increasing in the hospital and tended to stabilize in the city, knowing that “other viruses likely to induce bronchiolitis continue to circulate in France, in particular rhinoviruses/enteroviruses”. Overseas, Reunion Island has gone into pre-epidemic mode, with all other Drom already in epidemic mode.
Concerning Covid-19, the indicators were “generally stable at low levels”, but with an increase in wastewater, which suggests a significant increase in the circulation of the virus in the population.
Vaccination remains relevant, including for health professionals
« Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against influenza and Covid-19, particularly severe forms, underlines Public Health France in its bulletin. In view of the end-of-year gatherings, there is still time to get vaccinated ». And to cite the target people: those aged 65 and over; people aged over 6 months with comorbidities; immunocompromised people; pregnant women; residents in follow-up care establishments or in medico-social establishments whatever their age, as well as people living in the entourage or in regular contact with people who are immunocompromised or vulnerable to serious forms of infection, including health professionals. Three vaccines are available: Vaxigrip Tetra (Sanofi-Pasteur), Influvac Tetra (Viatris) and Fluarix Tetra (GSK).
Likewise, the health agency also recalls that the passive immunization campaign for newborns against RSV infections is still ongoing with two possible options (vaccination of pregnant women with Abrysvo or administration to infants of monoclonal antibody nirsevimab). In this context and in addition to preventive treatments, the adoption of barrier gestures remains essential.
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