Flu and Covid-19 viruses are circulating more and more, according to the latest bulletin from Public Health France. Health authorities are calling on the most vulnerable to be vaccinated.
- Between November 27 and December 3, Santé Publique France noted an increase in activity in community medicine and hospitals for acute respiratory infections.
- The increase in flu cases concerns all age groups.
- Covid-19 cases are “slightly increasing”, particularly among those over 65.
Winter is approaching and viruses are circulating more and more. This is the observation of Public Health France in its latest weekly bulletin. The organization is noticing an increase in cases of flu and Covid-19.
Increases in cases of acute respiratory infections, including influenza and Covid-19
For the week of November 27 to December 3, several indicators are on the rise according to Santé Publique France. For influenza, this increase is observed in community medicine and hospitals. The figures published by the organization show that all age groups are affected. Santé Publique France notes that seven regions are in the pre-epidemic phase: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Île-de-France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Center- Loire Valley, the Grand Est and Guyana. Mayotte is already placed in the epidemic phase. For Covid-19, circulation is active, particularly among people over 65 years old. According to wastewater analysis data, virus detection increased by 24% in one week.
These data are confirmed by the newsletter of Sentinelles, an acute respiratory infection surveillance network. “In mainland France, last week, the incidence rate of cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) seen in general medicine consultations was estimated at 410 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the document states. Subject to future consolidation of data, this rate is increasing compared to the previous week.” The map published in the bulletin shows strong activity in the South-West quarter of France, in the North, East and South-East. In the case of Covid-19, the incidence rate, for cases seen in general medicine consultations for acute respiratory infection, is estimated at 117 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Flu and Covid-19: a call for vaccination
“In this context and in view of family gatherings for the end of year holidays, it is essential that people at risk protect themselves by vaccinating against seasonal flu and Covid-19 and that everyone continues to ‘adopt barrier gestures’, recommends Public Health France. Since the beginning of October, it has been possible to receive vaccines against influenza and Covid-19 simultaneously. “The flu vaccine, as well as that against Covid-19, can be carried out by a doctor, but also by a nurse, a pharmacist or a midwife whose skills have recently been broadened.precise ARS Ile-de-France. People at risk are those aged over 65, pregnant women, people suffering from certain illnesses, obese people, health professionals in contact with people at risk and people residing in medico-social establishments. However, anyone who wishes can be vaccinated.
