While the flu is currently wreaking havoc in France, an expert reminds us that it is not too late to protect yourself from this contagious disease.
- According to Public Health France, the flu epidemic is causing hospitalizations at an “exceptionally high” level compared to previous seasons.
- Given that “the vaccine takes around ten days before playing its protective role”, it is not too late to benefit from it according to Charles Cazanave, professor of infectious diseases at Bordeaux University Hospital.
- In addition, barrier gestures should be adopted, namely hand washing, wearing a mask, and ventilating rooms.
At the start of the year, cases of flu continue to increase in France. In French health establishments, where, in some, the white plan has been triggered in the face of the massive influx of patients, the share of hospitalizations for this acute respiratory infection, which can be serious in the most fragile people, is at “an exceptionally high level of intensity” compared to previous seasons, according to the last bulletin of Public Health France. In detail, “we still observed a strong increase in indicators in all age groups except for those aged 5-14”.
“Patients are less inclined to wear a mask”
In order to reduce the risk of getting sick, it is important to respect barrier gestures. This involves washing hands, ventilating rooms and wearing a mask in the event of symptoms (fever, sore throat or cough), in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people (infants under 6 months, pregnant women, people aged 65 and over, people who are immunocompromised or have a chronic illness, people suffering from obesity). Problem: the French no longer seem to have these good habits that are essential to limiting the transmission of the flu. “Patients are less inclined to wear a mask, we see some in the waiting room who come without a mask, we distribute them”, declared, to AFP Dr Urfan Ashraf, secretary general of SOS Médecins.
Flu: “The vaccine takes around ten days before playing its protective role, so there is always time”
The best way to protect yourself against this contagious disease therefore remains vaccination, the campaign of which is ongoing until January 31. “The vaccine takes around ten days before playing its protective role, so there is always time. Winter is not over, we have seen a mild spell, but with the cold, cases of infection should start again” , explained, to SouthwestCharles Cazanave, professor of infectious diseases at Bordeaux University Hospital. As a reminder, vaccination against influenza is recommended for people aged 65 and over, those under 65, including children from the age of 6 months, suffering from certain chronic illnesses (list of eligible people in the vaccination schedule), pregnant women, obese patients, residents in follow-up care establishments or in medico-social establishments regardless of their age.
Health professionals in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk of severe influenza are also advised to be vaccinated. If for the moment, it is only a recommendation, the Minister of Health wants to open the debate on the compulsory vaccination of caregivers, who take care of the sick and can transmit viruses. “We will have to ask ourselves this question”, said Yannick Neuder during a visit to Cochin hospital in Paris last week.
