According to the press release from Public Health France dated January 10, Guyana is placed in the pre-epidemic phase of influenza. For two weeks, the virus has been circulating more in the territory and there have been more visits to emergency rooms.
Published on January 14, 2025 at 5:48 p.m.,
updated January 14, 2025 at 5:49 p.m.
Guyana is in the pre-epidemic phase of influenza, according to a press release from Santé Publique France dated January 10. For two weeks, the circulation of the flu virus has been increasing significantly, underlines Santé Publique France.
“Since the beginning of January, there has been an increase in the number of cases and requests to emergency services,” underlines Paul Le Turnier, doctor in infectious diseases, at UMIT, the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit.
We cannot predict that there will be a very strong epidemic like in mainland France, but there is a risk so there is still time to protect ourselves from it.
Paul Le Turnier, doctor in infectious diseases
In France, the flu epidemic is particularly violent this winter. The white plan has been triggered in 87 hospitals, emergency rooms are under pressure and serious forms of flu are increasing.
The flu virus is characterized by the sudden onset of fever, muscle and joint pain, and headaches. “The flu is first a fever, it starts suddenly, insists Dr Paul Le Turnier. The difference with dengue is that there are ENT signs, you often have a sore throat and a runny nose.” Respiratory signs quickly appear: dry cough, sore throat, or even rhinitis.
-The doctor reminds that when these symptoms last over time, you should not hesitate to consult your doctor.
Authorities are encouraging Guyanese to get vaccinated. Vaccination is recommended for the most vulnerable people, but also for healthcare personnel.
“There is a population at risk of serious forms of influenza. These are people over 65, infants and people with chronic pathologies, and those with obesity, explains Paul Le Turnier, doctor in infectious diseases. Getting vaccinated means protecting yourself and those around you.”
Some fragile people are at risk of developing a serious flu which may require hospitalization in intensive care, and even death. The vaccine has been offered since 2023, including to children. The protection conferred by the vaccine is 6 to 9 months.
“We have not yet sufficient vaccination coverage”, recognizes Dr Paul Le Turnier who nevertheless recalls that “Nurses and pharmacies can also vaccinate.” “The vaccine protects against the risk of death and admission to intensive care”he recalls.
For Jessica Dornal, doctor of pharmacy, “it is important to get vaccinated to help vulnerable populations and for yourself, to eradicate the disease.” “The more people there are vaccinated, the less the virus will circulate”she concludes.
In France, seasonal flu affects 2 to 6 million people and is responsible for around 10,000 deaths each year.
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