Prevention campaigns at the start of winter have been heard. Bronchiolitis has declined significantly at the end of 2024, unclogging emergency rooms and physiotherapy practices. On the other hand, another virus seems to have taken over in children, that of the flu. Cases are not yet clogging pediatric emergencies, but there are more of them. A situation that concerns Professor Cyril Schweitzer, head of the children-neonatology center at the Nancy CHRU. A pediatric pulmonologist, the practitioner noted an increase in young patients during the holiday period: “The bronchiolitis epidemic is much less significant. We notice that our beds are much less occupied by children suffering from RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). On the other hand, there are many more children suffering from the flu, in different forms. We have both fairly standard respiratory infections, which can resemble bronchiolitis or asthma attacks, and serious forms. »
A very high level among those under 15
A trend confirmed by Public Health France in its epidemiological bulletin of January 2, covering the week of December 23 to 29, 2024: “In France, the flu epidemic is intensifying. All flu indicators are up sharply in all age groups. Children under 15 are most affected in cities and in hospitals, and there is a sharp increase in hospitalizations among people aged 65 and over. » Thus, compared to the five previous epidemics, the “level of intensity in the hospital increased this week from moderate to high, all ages combined, and to a very high level among those under 15 years old. »
Myocarditis and encephalitis
The flu is not trivial. Severe, it can manifest itself with acute symptoms, particularly in vulnerable people such as young children and polypathological individuals. “There’s more to the flu than fever,” continues Cyril Schweitzer. Young children can develop serious pneumonia, myocarditis, or even encephalitis. » To avoid these complications, it is not too late to vaccinate your child. “They are, in fact, also eligible for the flu vaccine,” recalls Cyril Schweitzer: “The recommendation is to vaccinate anyone over six months old with comorbidities. However, vaccination against the influenza virus is open to all children between 2 and 17 years of age and older. And it is reimbursed at 65% by Social Security. »
The Japanese example
France is little behind on this issue of vaccination from the youngest age. “Unlike us, countries like Japan vaccinate all children,” explains Cyril Schweitzer. Japan’s strategy is based on the principle that the elderly respond less well to the vaccine and that it is better to vaccinate children and the population under 65 to limit the spread of the virus to the elderly. » Even if the benefits of immunization only appear a fortnight after the serum injection, it is never in vain to protect yourself: “I find that we have big changes in the profile of winter epidemics . So the notion of getting vaccinated young is becoming more and more relevant. » Coupled with barrier gestures, this precaution would save lives during epidemic peaks.
Belgium
