Serious forms of influenza are increasing in Guadeloupe

The flu is affecting more and more Guadeloupeans: 1,545 clinically suggestive cases were recorded last week, twice as many as the average of 770 cases observed in previous weeks.

This epidemic dynamic is also manifested in hospital services, where visits to emergency rooms for influenza-like illness have increased to 71 cascompared to an average of 30 previously.

Among patients admitted to the emergency room, 12 required hospitalizationa figure that is clearly increasing. Even more worrying, some of these hospitalizations concern serious forms requiring transfer to intensive care. This progression highlights the virulence of the current epidemic and the need to protect the most vulnerable people.

Vaccination: an essential weapon

As in the rest of the Antilles, the influenza A virus is the majority in Guadeloupe. The positivity rate of samples taken in a hospital environment amounts to 19 %up compared to previous weeks. This figure confirms intense circulation of the virus in the population.

Health authorities reiterate the importance of vaccination to contain the epidemic. The flu vaccination campaign, which ends on January 31, 2025, primarily targets seniors, pregnant women, immunocompromised patients and healthcare professionals. By being vaccinated, these risk groups significantly reduce their probability of developing serious forms.

In addition to vaccination, barrier gestures remain a key measure to limit the spread of the virus. Washing your hands, wearing a mask if you have symptoms and regularly ventilating closed rooms are all simple but effective actions to curb the epidemic.