Reduction in barrier gestures, low vaccination coverage and reduced immunity: this year, the influenza virus could lead to a major epidemic.
![Influenza: a \](https://www.pourquoidocteur.fr/media/article/thunbs/uploded_girl-is-holding-paper-tissue-and-blowing-nose-picture-id1360140094-1664440967.jpg "Influenza: a \")
- The flu is caused by the Influenza virus.
- Vaccination against influenza must be renewed every year.
- The first symptoms are usually high fever, intense fatigue, body aches and headaches.
Two years after the start of the pandemic, the Covid-19 virus continues to circulate in the world, and the epidemic waves are linked. This year, another virus could spread strongly in France: that of the flu. Several scientists are warning of the possibility of a major epidemic in the weeks to come.
An inevitable flu epidemic this winter
“There is a serious risk of an influenza epidemic”warns Alain Fischer, professor of immunology, in an article in the Parisian. This risk is due to several factors. “This year, it will be difficult to maintain the same level of protection: masks, distancing, intensive hand washing“, estimates this specialist. In the past two years, there have been fewer cases of influenza in France, compared to previous years, because of the practice of barrier gestures and confinements. However, since the spring of 2022, the mask has not is no longer mandatory, except in healthcare facilities.”With the relaxation of barrier gestures, it is obvious that there will be an epidemic of flu“, underlines Dr Benjamin Rossi, infectious disease doctor in Aulnay-sous-Bois, in an interview with TF1info. But this return of the virus could also be linked to the weak immunity of the French: as the cases of influenza have been fewer in the past two years, the population does not have antibodies to fight against the virus.
Examples of virulent flu abroad
France is not the only country to worry about a resurgence of the flu. “The United States could experience a severe flu season this year.”warns NBC News. The American media relies in particular on the Australian example: “Australia is nearing the end of its worst seasonal flu in five years”. In this southern hemisphere country, winter is coming to an end. In total, more than 223,000 cases have been recorded in the country, 1,763 people have been hospitalized with the flu and 295 people have died. According to the australian governmentthose most affected were children aged five to nine, those under five and those aged 10 to 19.
The importance of vaccination to protect against seasonal flu
In France, the fight against the flu is already organized, via vaccination. The campaign is due to start on October 18. The High Authority for Health recommends combining vaccination against influenza with that against Covid-19. But for Alain Fischer, we must not wait. “Saying that we will do our Covid reminder when the flu vaccine is there is a mistake, indicates the teacher to Parisian. We must not delay the Covid“According to him, less than 40% of eligible French people have received their 4th dose of vaccine. The risk is that influenza vaccination will also be neglected by people at risk.”We will have to remobilize a population that is fed up with infections and vaccineswarns Alain Fischer. But the reality of the risks compels us to try vigorously to convince the elderly, frail and pregnant women to get vaccinated.” In France, vaccination is recommended for people over 65, those suffering from chronic illnesses, pregnant women, people with obesity, those around immunocompromised people, healthcare professionals in contact with people at risk and to professionals exposed to swine and avian influenza viruses.
