Like every winter, viruses come back. For two weeks, the flu has made a comeback in France. A few days before the end of year holidays, the epidemic is worrying. Update on the situation in Centre-Val de Loire.
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Flu, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis and now Covid-19 return every year in winter. Although this year their appearance is later, the viruses are progressing more and more. The whole of mainland France has now crossed the threshold of the epidemic concerning flu-like illnesses and bronchiolitis, according to data from Public Health France.
As the holidays approach, where, due to family gatherings, the most vulnerable are very exposed, the transmission of acute respiratory infections is worrying. But don't panic, the rates remain lower than in previous years during the same period.
Very contagious, bronchiolitis is a virus that only affects children under 2 years old. Before this age, “it is estimated that more than 90% of children will have contracted an infection due to this virus, without any consequences in the vast majority of cases“, explains Santé Publique France. The virus affects 30% of infants each winter. It manifests itself by coughing and rapid, wheezing breathing. Bronchiolitis is transmitted through the respiratory route and droplets.
If the epidemic continues to increase in France, it is stabilizing in Center-Val de Loire. Within the region, situations are unequal. Hospital activity for bronchiolitis is high in Eure-et-Loir, in Loiret as well as in Indre-et-Loire where it represents 23% of hospital emergencies. However, across the region as a whole, medical procedures such as hospital visits are lower than last year at the same period.
Influenza and flu-like illnesses are becoming more and more common. The Centre-Val de Loire region has just passed the epidemic threshold this week, just like the entire metropolis. Last week, only four regions had reached this threshold, compared to 12 this week. Over the last seven days, “two deaths mentioning the flu have been reported“, announces the Centre-Val de Loire Regional Health Agency.
Although consultations are increasing, hospital activity remains moderate in the region. The situation remains far from the peak reached at the same period two years ago, and that of last February.
Concerning covid-19, contaminations are currently very low, especially in Center-Val de Loire. Only a few cases have been recorded in the entire region. Cases of acute gastroenteritis are also far from reaching epidemic thresholds.
Only acute respiratory infections (covid-19, flu and other respiratory viruses) should be monitored at the moment. It is possible to observe the situation in the region via the Sentinels network, powered by reports from doctors.
In order to protect against any risk, Santé Publique France reminds that vaccination protects the most vulnerable in particular against serious forms of respiratory diseases. When in contact with people at risk, particularly during the end-of-year holidays, it is recommended to respect barrier gestures to protect them in case of doubt and the appearance of symptoms.
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