Since the beginning of the year, cases of whooping cough and Covid have been increasing in France. The ARS Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has received nearly 25 times more reports of whooping cough since January, compared to 2023. A hygienist doctor from the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital takes stock of the situation and the reflexes to adopt this summer.
For some, the holidays are fast approaching, synonymous with festivals, aperitifs or barbecues. It is also the time for family or friends to get together. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency (ARS) calls for vigilance in the face of the resurgence of whooping cough and Covid cases. There have been 270 reports of whooping cough since the beginning of 2024, compared to 11 for the whole of 2023 in the region.
A situation “which we have been seeing for several months now, particularly in pediatric services; in June alone, there were 20 cases“, explains Professor Ousmane Traoré, hygienist at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital.
Above all, you must be vigilant from the first symptoms.”From the moment there are respiratory symptoms, you have to wear a mask, because otherwise you will project whooping cough particles everywhere.“, adds Professor Ousmane Traoré. And yes, because let us remember, “Whooping cough is people who cough and the cough gets worse as the days go by.”specifies the health professional.
Another barrier gesture, “Closed spaces should be ventilated regularly if you cough.“. Ventilation helps limit the presence of the whooping cough bacteria and therefore contamination. As a reminder, contamination occurs very easily through the air.
But the most important thing to limit the spread remains vaccination.”This disease is dependent on vaccine protection. We need to have sufficient vaccination coverage to protect the population. Whooping cough requires boosters throughout life.“, adds Ousmane Traoré.”There are three injections in the first year of life, at 2, 4 and 11 months. If all three are not given, the child is not fully protected.“, recalls the health officer.
Be careful not to forget the boosters at 6 years old and then between 11 and 13 years old. Adults are also concerned, a booster is necessary at 25 years old. A booster that can be postponed to be carried out between 26 and 39 years old. Finally, adults can be vaccinated if a member of their entourage is fragile or if they are themselves immunocompromised. It is also recommended for pregnant people from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
Another point of vigilance to spend a peaceful summer, watch out for covid. The return of a few barrier gestures can help avoid spoiling the festivities. As a reminder, it is necessary to wash your hands regularly with soap for at least 30 seconds “or hydroalcoholic gel” explains the doctor.
From the first suspicions, wearing a mask is the best ally to avoid contagion. In case of coughing or sneezing, it is recommended to do it in a disposable handkerchief, and for lack of better, in your elbow.
Regular ventilation of rooms is also essential. The ARS recommends ventilating “each room 10 minutes, every hour“. This removes saliva droplets from the room air.
Even if you are meeting up with your loved ones, it is best to avoid hugging each other when greeting each other. For example, kissing on the cheek can increase the risk of contamination, as can shaking hands.
Physical distancing is also an asset against the proliferation of covid. In the event of high circulation of covid, the ARS recommends a distance of 2 meters to avoid being in contact with the droplets of potential patients. But the best thing to do if you suspect a positive case is to isolate yourself.
To counter covid, vaccination is recommended for vulnerable people. The ARS recommends the vaccine for people over 80 years old or nursing home residents.
Update from Public Health France on the evolution of Covid for week 25, from June 17 to 23, 2024.
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© Public Health France
The covid epidemic situation is still under control, but cases have been slightly increasing in recent months at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital.In May, there were one or two cases per day, today there are 7 to 8 visits to the emergency room. Patients are not going to intensive care, but are being diagnosed in our departments.“, the doctor specifies.
