The triple Covid-flu-RSV test (respiratory syncytial virus, responsible for bronchiolitis), which is a hit in France, is difficult to find in Besançon. Three pharmacies that The Republican East contacted this Friday, December 27, say they have ordered them, but are awaiting delivery. “The doctors have ordered a lot from us,” says William Matevossian, assistant pharmacist at the Île-de-France pharmacy in Besançon. According to the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions, more than 100,000 triple tests have been sold in France since it went on sale a month ago. In Besançon, pharmacists mainly sell Covid-flu tests.
More cases of flu
If Covid activity remains low in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, according to the bulletin from the Regional Health Agency (ARS) dated December 26, flu activity is in an ascending phase while the national territory is in its third epidemic week. Regionally, the rate of flu in emergency room visits is increasing compared to last week (2.6% versus 1.3%). This rate is 20.6% for SOS Médecins acts (compared to 12.1% the previous week). The sentinel network records 332 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during week 51 (from December 16 to 22), compared to 135 during week 50. “The number of calls to 15 for flu symptoms is increasing,” assures a source at Jean-Minjoz University Hospital. Which specifies, moreover, that it is commonplace to see emergencies in greater demand during the end-of-year celebrations. The fault of city medicine vacations.
Flu syndrome
“Regarding the flu and Covid, we are not seeing very sustained activity,” notes Anthony Colle, Grande rue pharmacist in Besançon. The pharmacy manager assures that he has not sold more than five tests per day for a week. “We mostly see flu-like illness, meaning patients who have symptoms, feel pain or fatigue, but don’t test positive. »
“Sales of Tamiflu (oseltamivir), which is the reference treatment, remain low,” adds William Matessovian. However, Arnaud Verdenet, co-president of the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions of Doubs, and pharmacist in Saint-Vit, assures us that the number of flu cases is tending to increase.
Recalling that the region has entered its third bronchiolitis epidemic week, the ARS emphasizes the barrier gestures to be respected during this end-of-year holiday period conducive to family gatherings: hand washing, regular ventilation, wearing mask in case of symptoms.
According to the ARS, since week 40 (first week of October), three serious cases of flu (all ages) have been reported and admitted to intensive care in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. Also since October, 26 people (all ages) positive for Covid have been admitted to intensive care, as well as nine children under the age of two for cases of bronchiolitis.
Health
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