“We risk exceeding 10,000 deaths”: why the flu is particularly severe this year

The flu is gaining ground in France. “All flu indicators were still up sharply in week 52 in all age groups.alert Public Health France in its latest report published Thursday. All regions of France are thus placed at alert level “epidemic”as well as Martinique overseas. Epidemiologist Yves Buisson answers our questions.

How is the flu epidemic particularly intense this year?

We are only in the first weeks, and many elements already point to a severe flu epidemic this year. We see this in the infection rate or even in the fact that young people under 15 are particularly affected. People over 65 are also very strongly admitted to intensive care. Especially since there is an aggravating factor this season. Last year, if 54% of people eligible for the free vaccine for people at risk were actually vaccinated, the coverage rate is even lower this season.

Each year, there are on average between 9,000 and 10,000 deaths caused by the flu. But if it continues like this, we risk exceeding 10,000 deaths this season.

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  Flu: the epidemic is intensifying in France, a “very high” level reached among those under 15

According to Santé Publique France, the epidemic is reaching a “very high level” among those under 15. Why them?

Usually, viruses mutate very little from one year to the next and we do not notice any specific attack in the youngest age groups. But this year, the virus has changed a lot. Those under 15 are therefore significantly more affected than in previous years, because they have never encountered viruses close to those currently circulating. Especially since the A(H1N1) virus is circulating intensely this season. Derived from the 2009 pandemic flu, it has the particularity of affecting people younger than usual. So much so that there are already reported deaths among children and adolescents.

How can we protect ourselves?

The first way to protect yourself is vaccination. It is not 100% effective, but it helps reduce the number of deaths in people at risk, for example in people over 65, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or obesity. For the past year, we have also recommended vaccinating children, because they are the main vectors. This season, the campaign runs from October 15 to January 31. It is therefore important to get vaccinated as quickly as possible for those who have not yet done so.

To protect yourself, it is also important to respect barrier gestures. Since there is an epidemic of respiratory virus infections (flu, covid-19, bronchiolitis, etc.), I strongly recommend wearing a mask and washing your hands regularly. If you have symptoms, you must wear a mask and avoid being around the most vulnerable people. Antivirals are only to be used to treat very serious forms of the flu.