Cotentin is not spared

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The flu is indeed present in the Channel, as evidenced by data compiled by SOS Médecins Cotentin.

Among the seasonal infectionsTHE flu or viral syndromes experienced a significant jump in December 2024.

Regarding week 50 (December 9 to 15), 137 cases were recorded by SOS Médecins Cotentin, compared to 83 the previous week. There were 199 the following week and already 217 between December 23 and 29.

There were quite a few cases at the childhood level which then had repercussions on the parents. From my feeling, it hit a little hard this year. But in terms of numbers, if the flu is indeed present, the cases are not excessively higher than usual in the territory.

“Let’s remember that the flu is tough”

Influenza A and B, but also cases of Covid, rhino-pharyngitisof bronchitis or even gastro.

“A 'real' flu is 5 to 7 days bedridden with a fever that rises to 40,” continues Christophe Marchenay. In consultation, we carry out tests and everything is not necessarily the same. But let's remember that the flu is harsh, it kills 15,000 people per year, especially among the most vulnerable. »

Among the 122 flu-related deaths declared between December 16 and 22, 2024 in France, 108, or 89%, concerned people aged 65 and over, twelve people aged 15 to 64 and two children under 15 years, indicates Public Health France.????️ In winter, viruses (#flu, #common cold, #COVID19…) are circulating!

Always deadly

From November 25, Normandy, among the first regions of metropolitan France, was in the pre-epidemic phase facing the flu. It entered the epidemic phase the following week and remains so today for the fourth consecutive week.

In mid-December, still in Normandy, Public Health France noted “high levels (of flu) compared to previous years”. Between December 16 and 21, 162 people were hospitalized after a going to the emergency room for flu.

With gatherings during the end-of-year holidays, and in addition to vaccinations and preventive treatments, barrier gestures remain essential.

Wash your hands, ventilate your interior and wear a mask in case of symptoms in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people. For Christophe Marchenay, the mask is imperative: “I am a big supporter of wearing masque. Il Limit transmission. I believe that society is ready for that, it has become part of our customs and it is no easy task. Especially since the vaccination against the flu has difficulty going beyond 30% in France. »

It is essential, Public Health France reiterates, to recommend vaccination to all eligible people: “People aged 65 and over, people aged over 6 months, suffering from comorbidities having a high risk of severe form of illness, immunocompromised people, pregnant women, residents in care establishments or in medico-social establishments regardless of their age, as well as people living in the entourage or in regular contact with immunocompromised people or people vulnerable to severe forms infection, including healthcare professionals.

“An impoverishment of medical demographics”

For several weeks, and certainly for a few more weeks, the activity of SOS Médecins Cotentin will not weaken in the face of the flu.

“We have a little reinforcementswe turn to the maximum, even if we still have a very intense activity. We are already full every day during the day and our night activity remains significant, especially in the first part of the night. This is often when we treat what is not a 'vital emergency'. Thanks to our regulation, we still manage to maintain 'real' medical activity. »

For this professional, the problem is not so much theexplosion of cas of influenza than “the impoverishment of medical demography” in the Cotentin: “We lost a lot of general practitioners at the start of the year and we find ourselves managing more cases than before because of the difficulties in accessing general practitionerswho are overwhelmed. There are fewer doctors for unscheduled care. Liberal medicine is becoming impoverished and we had not necessarily envisaged that. We are also victims of our practical mode of operation. But you should never hesitate to contact us, to insist, on the Internet or by telephone. »

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