the essential
The seasonal flu epidemic increased sharply the week before Christmas in France. Children and adolescents under 15 are most affected. To protect yourself from the virus, simple actions must be followed.
Flu alert. Public Health France indicates that the flu epidemic intensified the week before Christmas in France. “Children under 15 were the most affected in town and in hospital, but a marked increase in visits to emergency rooms and hospitalizations among people aged 65 and over was observed,” indicates Public Health France. Those aged 65 and over represented almost 60% of hospitalizations after going to the emergency room, an increase of +129% compared to the previous week.
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What is influenza A which is currently raging in France? Symptoms, contagion, treatments… 5 things to know about the disease
To protect yourself from the flu, there are several things you should know. They were part of our daily lives with Covid-19 and we have all forgotten them a little. Here are these main actions.
1 – Get vaccinated
The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get vaccinated. It is not too late to do so, indicates Public Health France; since the vaccination campaign continues until January 31, 2025. The people most at risk are people aged 65 and over, immunocompromised people and pregnant women. The vaccine can be done in pharmacies from the age of 11, often by appointment.
2 – Wash your hands
As with Covid-19, respecting barrier gestures is important. It is essential to wash your hands. An essential gesture after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, after going to the toilet, before preparing a meal and after taking public transport. Some germs can be easily spread by touching another person or touching contaminated objects. If you cannot wash your hands, it is recommended to use hydroalcoholic gel.
3 – Wear a mask
Wearing a protective mask (surgical or FFP2) is another important gesture to protect yourself and limit viral transmissions. The mask, when properly fitted to the face, helps block droplets that are projected when speaking, coughing or sneezing.
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4 – Ventilate the rooms
It is advisable to ventilate your living space to avoid transmitting diseases through the air. Sneezing, coughing, breathing can spread large quantities of airborne droplets that can be inhaled by other people. Opening windows and doors brings in outside air. 5 to 10 minutes per day is enough, specifies Public Health France.
5 – Take the flu seriously
Being young and healthy doesn’t mean you can’t get the flu. You will have less risk of contracting serious forms of the disease, but this may not be the case for your loved ones and vulnerable people you may come across. Having the flu means experiencing sudden fever, muscle and joint pain, headaches, a feeling of deep malaise, respiratory signs (dry cough, irritated throat, rhinitis) for a week in general. During the winter of 2023-2024, the flu generated 1.5 million consultations and 14,000 hospitalizations after going to the emergency room.
