Published: January 26, 2025 at 6:24 p.m. – Modified: January 26, 2025 at 6:28 p.m. Dolorès CHARLES
While waiting for the peak of seasonal flu contaminations, very virulent this year due to three distinct strains, the ARS of Loire" rel="tag">Pays de la Loire encourages us to respect barrier gestures. Interview with Dr. Thierry Le Guen.
Fever, chills, fatigue and aches… You certainly have cases of flu around you, because this winter, the flu is here and it is not over, assures us Dr Thierry Le Guen, medical advisor at the Pays de la Loire Regional Health Agency , because the peak is not reached. “We are currently observing a drop in cases and hospitalizations among those over 65, but a sharp increase in cases among children, which suggests that there may be a rebound effect on those over 65, those who use beds in hospitals.
A more virulent flu
There is therefore no prospect of improvement to date, the peak has not been reached, hence the measure to extend vaccination until the end of February.” In addition to the high number of cases, the flu is also more severe due to several active strains. She is “more virulent, and this can be explained even if these explanations are not yet stabilized. This is thought to be the effect of three strains circulating at the same time. This is quite rare compared to the history of previous epidemics.
In general, we had one or two strains circulating, and here there are three. This can partly explain the virulence and especially the fact that you can catch one flu then a second (…) The concomitant circulation of three strains, independent of each other, means that we are not necessarily immune to all three, and that we have a particularly strong flu with a significant number of cases.”
Credit : Dolores Charles
In France, the peak has not yet been reached, you can still get vaccinated according to Dr Thierry Le Guen: it is important especially since the flu still kills. There is an excess mortality this year, compared to previous years.
The return of barrier gestures
For gastroenteritis, however, the peak has been reached and the ARS even observes a drop in contamination, but in either case, there are reflexes to have in order not to contaminate those around you, as recalled Dr. Le Guen. “When there was Covid, everyone was afraid and barrier gestures were respected. There, It is important to remember that it is important to wash your hands, wear a mask and avoid hugs and close contact. This is a basic measure for every winter epidemic…
-We must protect others, and if we are sick, we put on a mask and wash our hands with soap and water. Even if we don't have hydro-alcoholic gel, soap and water works very well!”
PDL Regional Health Agency
Credit : Dolores Charles
In Loire Atlantique, emergencies are regulated at night, until February 24. A decision by the Regional Health Agency while services are under pressure due to an increase in the number of visits, linked to the flu epidemic. This concerns the Nantes University Hospital, but also the Confluent in Rezé, and the hospitals of Ancenis, Saint-Nazaire and Châteaubriant.
The positive effect of regulated access to emergencies
The measure has proven itself for Dr Thierry Le Guen, advisor responsible for Medical Strategy. “It's always tense at the emergency level of course, but overall, there has not been a significant increase in the number of visits over the past two weeks. Regulated access to emergencies is positive, it makes it possible to direct people towards alternatives to their health needs, which do not necessarily relate to emergencies. It's something positive. There was no event reported, no particular problem with this regulated access which was very well planned.”
As a reminder, between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., excluding life-threatening emergencies, any patient who has not been referred by a doctor must first call 15 before going to the emergency room in Loire-Atlantique.
