The hospitals of Bergerac, Bourgoin-Jallieu, Calais and even Aubenas… In recent weeks, more and more hospitals have once again made the wearing of masks compulsory for everyone in their establishment.
Dozens of hospitals have already put this obligation back in place. The goal is to protect patients and caregivers, while the flu and other winter viruses are circulating intensely.
At the Sainte-Périne geriatric hospital in Paris, this obligation is well received by health professionals and patients. At the entrance, a table with hydroalcoholic gel and masks available. Naturally, Yoanna takes one and puts it on her face. “We are entering a hospital, that’s normal”she decides. In the waiting room, Olivier, who accompanies his father, also willingly put the mask back on. “I admit that I don’t wear it on public transport, but here, exceptionally, I do. I hear that the flu epidemic is quite strong this year, so it’s not bad”he believes.
The compulsory mask for everyone in the hospital has now become a habit every winter and above all it is effective, analyzes geriatrician Florence Muller from Schongor. “We have observed for several years much fewer clusters of epidemics of influenza or respiratory viruses within our units. In any case, on a geriatric site, there is no discussion, in epidemic periods, we wear a mask to prevent transmission, protect yourself and others.
This prevents patients from being contaminated by caregivers, their families or other patients. In the past, flu, Covid and even RSV, the virus responsible for bronchiolitis, have already plagued this geriatric hospital, says Dr. Isabelle Simon, medical officer of health. “Geriatrics had had large clusters, large epidemics on units. It’s really confusing and guilt-inducing. We can clearly see the harm this can do to our patients, because all this bites their hearts as we are used to to say it.”
“It’s dramatic. It can, first of all, cause a serious infection and it can lead to death.”
Dr. Florence Muller de Schongorat franceinfo
The Ministry of Health also reminds that in addition to wearing a mask, ventilating rooms and washing hands remain essential barrier gestures.
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