Faced with the flu epidemic, 87 hospitals have triggered the white plan, a system which makes it possible to deprogram certain operations or to recall staff from leave, the Ministry of Health indicated on Friday January 10, 2025.
The Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families Catherine Vautrin had mentioned a little earlier on CNews et Europe 1 a “hundred” of hospitals having activated this system, as of Thursday evening, in the face of the influx of patients.
Is the flu epidemic on the rise in France due to a relaxation of barrier gestures and insufficient vaccination? These are factors among others, according to health professionals, who also mention the coexistence of different strains of the disease.
“Patients are less inclined to wear a mask. We see some in the waiting room who come without masks, we distribute them”observes Doctor Urfan Ashraf, secretary general of SOS Médecins.
“Barrier gestures, the reflex of washing hands, hydroalcoholic solutions, ventilating, are less recent: these are part of the elements of transmission”he adds.
Increased contacts during the holidays
The end-of-year holiday period also increased contacts at a time when local doctors’ offices were closed, reducing the supply of care while demand increased.
In addition, two strains of influenza coexist, A (H1N1) and B (Victoria), although they usually follow one another, and a third is growing in strength, A (H3N2).
This phenomenon reinforces the circulation of the virus, which also affects patients this year “younger than usual, older children and adults up to 50 years old”according to virologist Bruno Lina.
This patient profile increases the demand for care, believes Doctor Urfan Ashraf. “Very significant body aches, headaches, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, chills, fever that rises to 40: it can be impressive for someone who is not used to it”.
Vaccination coverage still low
The winter flu epidemic, which usually lasts ten to twelve weeks, intensified at the beginning of January and is causing hospitalizations at an exceptionally high level compared to previous seasons, Public Health France (SpF) observed on Wednesday.
-The number of flu-related deaths, mainly among those over 65, has increased.
To protect against this, the authorities regularly remind us that vaccination remains the most effective, particularly against serious forms of influenza and Covid-19.
It is recommended for people aged 65 and over, immunocompromised people, infants over 6 months old with comorbidities, pregnant women and residents of medico-social establishments.
However, this season, “the vaccination campaign got off to a very difficult start”observes Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France, recalling that the flu is “deadly for fragile people”.
“Donkey cap” for caregivers
In retirement homes, “there is no massive peak of the epidemic”tempers Jean-Christophe Amarantinis, president of the main union of private nursing homes, Synerpa. But “We must encourage staff and residents to be vaccinated and respect barrier gestures”notes Pierre Roux, president of the Association of Directors serving the elderly.
“Unfortunately, the dunce cap falls on caregivers, even though they are in contact with patients and can transmit viruses”regrets Philippe Besset.
If vaccination coverage is expected “a little better than last year”she remains ” weak “ with some 10.3 million doses distributed so far, he said.
Wearing a mask is compulsory
Wearing a mask has once again become compulsory in the hospital centers of Abbeville, Libourne (Gironde), Lisieux (Calvados), Le Havre or Calais.
Five years after the Covid pandemic, wearing a mask is still not a widespread reflex: more than four in ten French people said they never wear one, even if they have symptoms, according to an SpF study published in mid-October.
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