the essential
The flu has taken hold in the Lot and is hitting vulnerable people hard. The Cahors hospital is experiencing a higher number of hospitalizations than normal, while vaccination is stagnating in pharmacies.
Fever, pain, cough, runny nose… No doubt, the flu is very present in the department. The Lot, like all of France, is classified red by Public Health France regarding the alert level, a sign that the disease is spreading rapidly. In view of the situation, the Cahors hospital has taken exceptional measures: wearing a mask for caregivers and visitors is compulsory until further notice. “There have been 16 hospitalizations to date. These are particularly elderly people.”
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The figures are higher than in previous years, highlighting the sustained activity of the period. The flu is a particularly serious illness for people at risk and can cause complications for vulnerable people. Vigilance is required, particularly regarding the organization of care. The hospital has therefore set up a twice-weekly unit “to best manage hospitalization capacities”. The idea is to monitor places to always have beds available for people with serious symptoms of the disease. “The flu is not more virulent than in previous years, but we have more cases of hospitalization than usual,” confirms the hospital.
“We are clearly at the peak of the epidemic”
“The situation is tense, but it’s the same every year,” notes Olivier Borie, president of the Order of Pharmacists of Lot. “We are more in demand, but this is the period that is like that,” he adds, “we are clearly in the peak.” It must be said that this month of January corresponds to the crossover between the end of the Christmas holidays, the numerous meals with family and friends and the hugs to wish each other a Happy New Year, without forgetting the return to school and work favoring the spread of the disease. The pharmacist nevertheless wants to be reassuring regarding the sequence of events: “In two weeks or three weeks, it will be over”.
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Vaccination, an important tool
The flu affects all age groups, but can be more virulent for vulnerable people. To try to deal with the disease, it is always possible to get vaccinated. Those affected have until January 31 to get their dose. “We have latecomers who come to be vaccinated. But generally speaking, we will arrive at the same rate as last year,” explains Olivier Borie. Vaccination coverage which “remains very insufficient in Occitanie” notes the ARS of Occitanie based on the figures for the 2023-2024 season. In the pharmacy of the president of the order of pharmacists of Lot, in Saint-Géry, 400 doses will be distributed in total. Last year, 45.7% of Lotois received their dose, including 50% of those aged 65 and over.
Reminder of good actions
To prevent the spread of the flu, there are barrier measures that can limit transmission. “We must wear a mask, wash our hands regularly. Sick people must stay at home as much as possible,” recalls Olivier Borie. It is also important to drink as much water as possible to avoid becoming dehydrated. Finally, to limit fever and joint pain, professionals also recommend taking paracetamol with a dosage adapted to the person's age and weight (unless contraindicated).
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