According to the network Sentinels, made up of more than a thousand liberal general practitioners, the epidemic threshold of gastroenteritis should be reached as early as next week.
For the week of December 22 to 28, the data collected showed a strong progression of the disease, with 230 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. In all, 147,000 new cases were listed by doctors during this week. The epidemic has affected all ages of the population, with the youngest case being 10 months old and the oldest 90 years old. Among the sick, 45% of those affected are men.
However, the Sentinels network specifies in its bulletin of the week that “no particular sign of seriousness has been noted and no hospitalization for acute diarrhea has been reported. “
While the national incidence remains below the epidemic threshold, set at 277 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, five regions have already greatly exceeded it. Languedoc-Roussillon (516 cases / 100,000 inhabitants), Limousin (487 cases) and Auvergne (434 cases) are particularly affected. They are closely followed by Ile-de-France (with 378 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) and by Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (310 cases / 100,000 inhabitants).
To obtain these figures, the Sentinelles network relied on sales of drugs linked to the gastro-enteritis, and predicts the course of the disease using historical data. Thus, “the activity level of acute diarrhea is expected to continue to increase, and may exceed the epidemic threshold next week. “
The flu is also progressing, but less quickly
In addition to gastroenteritis, France is facing an episode of seasonal flu. However, the latter progresses more slowly than gastro. The Sentinels network thus predicts, “according to forecast models based on historical data and on drug sales,” that “the level of influenza-like illness activity should continue to increase and exceed the epidemic threshold in the coming weeks. There are currently 121 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, or 78,000 new cases this week, while the epidemic threshold is set at 175 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
Simple steps to get through the cracks
To avoid getting gastro and flu, it is important to wash your hands several times a day, especially after using public transport or going to public places, and before each meal.
Likewise, it is good to stay away from sick people, avoiding kisses and hugs and scrupulously cleaning the containers (glass, cutlery, plate) used by the sick.
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