The Old Continent is facing a wave of winter flu. From Spain to France and into central and eastern Europe, the epidemic is spreading.
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Conducive to gatherings, the end-of-year celebrations served as an accelerator for the flu epidemic which hit Europe.
In Francethe acceleration of the epidemic has been observed since Christmas. Children under 15 are hardest hit, but all age groups seem affected. Some hospitals have opened special units to receive patients most affected by the virus. Most of the most serious symptoms affect patients over the age of 60 with severe breathing difficulties.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a big epidemic”notes Doctor Jean-Luc Leymarie, general practitioner in the Paris suburbs. And to remember that “The flu can be dangerous. In small epidemics, there are 6,000 deaths per year, but it can reach 12,000 to 15,000 deaths per year.”
As in many French hospitals, in Lisieux, Normandy, additional beds have been installed. “The intensive care unit has a third of flu patients in its beds,” explains Olivier Lucidarme, intensive care doctor: “The majority of patients who develop severe forms of the disease are unfortunately not vaccinated.”
In Romaniathe National Institute of Public Health reports that more than 4,100 cases were officially recorded last week, almost double the previous week. Sadly, four people died from complications. The disease is very contagious and begins suddenly with a high fever, headaches and muscle pain. The symptoms are more serious than those of the common cold.
Family doctors’ offices are full of patients with flu symptoms.
Most cases are recorded in Bucharest and the counties of Cluj, Brasov, Timis, Galati and Constanta. Doctors expect the number of flu cases to be even higher when children’s vacation ends. And to remember thatit’s not too late for vaccinationthe most effective prevention method.
More than 1.1 million Romanians have been vaccinated against the flu this season. For children ages 2 to 18, the flu vaccine is given through the nose. Antibodies appear after about two weeks.
In Hungarythe authorities have also taken the initiative to stem the epidemic.
Thus, at the Nyergesújfalu clinic, a sign warning of a ban on visitors is displayed. In Budapest, the number of patients in the capital is constantly increasing, which is why the compulsory wearing of masks and the ban on visits have been introduced in this clinic in particular. However, exceptions are made in certain cases.
Since the end of December, people have no longer been allowed to go to the internal medicine department at Gyöngyös Hospital. Relatives can send a package to their family members, which will be collected by service staff.
More and more healthcare facilities, like Győr, Vác and Debrecen, have strengthened their measures and introduced various restrictions due to the epidemic situation.
“I think by the second half of next week the number of sick children and, of course, adults will have increased dramatically”explains Doctor Melinda Kovács, general pediatrician.
In Spainflu infections have been steadily increasing since Christmas and most regions are reporting a significant increase in the number of cases. Catalonia and Valencia are already on alert, although the worst is expected from next week. But in general, hospitals and health centers are not as saturated as in previous years, although it is too early to compare.
As a precaution, wearing a mask is again compulsory in hospitals in three regions.
ADVERTISEMENTThis year, the most common flu so far is influenza B. The patients of greatest concern are the elderly.
However, ““We believe it is still possible to increase the prevalence of vaccination, which is the best measure we know to prevent influenza.” stresses José María Eiros, director of the National Influenza Centre.
