Falling temperatures marked the return of acute respiratory infections. But this is not the only reason for the increase in cases of seasonal flu or nasopharyngitis.
- To limit the spread of respiratory infections, it is recommended to wear a mask in closed places, to wash your hands regularly and to respect social distancing.
- Each year, there are on average 2 to 6 million cases of influenza in France, according to Public Health France.
To deal with the eighth wave of Covid-19, the fall vaccination campaign began on October 3. Since the end of the summer, the health authorities have however noted an increase in acute respiratory infections (ARI) due to viruses other than Sars-CoV-2. This is particularly the case with influenza and nasopharyngitis.
Influenza: the relaxation of barrier gestures called into question
Fever, runny nose, intense fatigue… Dropping temperatures are not the only factor responsible for the return of winter infections “We lived for two years under the thumb of Covid, which blocked the transmission of respiratory viruses thanks to barrier gestures. But now that people are letting their guard down, we are back to the usual level of circulation of these viruses (…) All these respiratory infections are adding to each other, which indeed makes the curves jump”indicated Doctor Bruno Lina, member of the Committee for Monitoring and Anticipating Health Risks (COVARS), which succeeds the Scientific Council, to the Dispatch.
In its latest epidemiological bulletin from 09/26 to 10/02, the Sentinel Network observed that acute respiratory infections have a moderate to high activity throughout the territory. “The incidence rate of cases of acute respiratory infection (ARI) seen in general medicine consultation is estimated at 196 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (…) This rate is increasing compared to last week”said the organization.
“Our overall immunity to the flu has probably waned”
In an interview with RMCProfessor Brigitte Autran, President of Covars, recalled the importance of vaccination against influenza, especially among vulnerable people. “We haven’t had a major flu outbreak in two years and so our overall immunity to flu has probably waned. I strongly encourage flu vaccination, as much as Covid-19. That’s exactly for the same people, the two vaccinations can be done at the same time. The flu vaccine has not yet arrived, while the Covid vaccine is already there and it may not be necessary to wait. The flu can be severe so we must not forget this point, she recommended. The seasonal flu vaccination campaign will start on October 18 in pharmacies.
To limit the spread of respiratory infections, Doctor Bruno Lina recommended the resumption of barrier gestures such as frequent hand washing, wearing a mask and respecting social distancing. “We had taken reflexes that made it possible to block all these respiratory viruses. Let’s get back to applying them sensibly! For example, when you are in an enclosed place or with a fragile person, you should not hesitate to put the mask back on (…) Similarly, it is better not to stay in a closed space if you are fragile, and continue to ventilate as much as possible to circulate the air”, advised the virologist.
