During the second week of January, the incidence rate of cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) seen in general medicine consultations was estimated for the department at 525 per 100,000 inhabitants. Almost all of Haute-Loire experienced such a level with the exception of the far west, the Blesle sector being a little lower with an incidence rate of 400 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
At the same time across France, the incidence rate was 579 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The influenza epidemic continues to progress in all age groups with the exception of patients aged 65 and over, in whom the epidemic remains stable.
For almost five years and the emergence of Covid, so-called “Sentinel” surveillance has evolved. Monitoring of “flu syndromes” (fever above 39°C, sudden onset, accompanied by myalgia and respiratory signs) has been replaced by that of “acute respiratory infections” ARI (sudden onset of fever or feeling of fever and respiratory signs). This monitoring is carried out in collaboration with Public Health France. It is based on the observation of patients with AKI, seen by a general practitioner or a pediatrician.
As for the hospital sector, Benoît Lhoste, director of the Bon Secours clinic in Puy-en-Velay, estimated at the end of last week that the flu epidemic had reached “a plateau”, given the reception at the CMSI. For around ten days, activity has been relatively stable at the immediate care medical center (which handles requests for unscheduled care). “Influenza conditions currently represent 17% of activity. The trauma due to the icy episode last week was more problematic,” notes Benoît Lhoste.
To the hospital for oxygen needs
Since the beginning of January, the Émile-Roux hospital center has also experienced increased activity due to the seasonal flu. “Over the year, we have an average of 120 daily visits to the emergency room, but we have repeatedly exceeded 150 patients in one day and every day we are around ten above the average,” indicates Dr. Julien Allirand, head of the emergency department and Samu. People go to hospital for more or less severe respiratory illnesses. Laboratory tests come back positive at more than 20% for the flu, more than for bronchiolitis in children or Covid. “We have a lot of people of a certain age who require oxygen. Those over 65 are those who are hospitalized, most often for respiratory problems. We have had a few cases of myocarditis”, continues the head of department who also speaks of “strong tensions” on the beds at the Puy-en-Velay hospital for around two weeks. Hospitalizations can last up to 6 or 7 days; therefore, these “tensions” are likely to further intensify by the end of January.
For Dr. Allirand, this seasonal flu should not be considered much more severe than usual. “Every year,” he says, “we sometimes forget it, but the flu causes hospitalizations, cardiac and neurological complications and many deaths, including among young people who do not a priori have any health problems. The best way is to be vaccinated regardless of age. Most of the people hospitalized are not vaccinated.”
According to the practitioner, Haute-Loire should have reached the epidemic peak or would be on the verge of reaching it. The flu will last until March, so there is always time to get vaccinated. This year we would be very close to the strains used for the vaccine. In other words, for Dr Allirand “the effectiveness is rather good”.
Philippe SUC
