Seasonal flu: the virus very active throughout France – Sortiraparis

By Cécile D., Elodie D., Laurent P. Published on March 23, 2022 at 8:14 p.m. The epidemic started late, but it has spread well throughout mainland France: Public Health France warns the French against the flu. The entire French metropolitan territory is on red alert: the incidence rate of consultations for flu-like illness was 203 per 100,000 inhabitants this week from March 14 to 20, 2022. The flu has spread throughout France and patients are flocking to doctors’ offices and hospitals. This influenza epidemic started later than in previous years. Usually, the peak of the epidemic is rather observed in February, indicates Public Health France in its latest report. The spread of the virus was “most likely favored by the end of the winter school holidays and the easing of measures to control the Covid-19 pandemic”, indicates the organization, which explains that the pandemic certainly has a role. to play in this flu epidemic. Indeed, in 2020 and 2021, the wearing of compulsory masks and successive confinements blocked the spread of these winter viruses. As a result, the population was less ill, and developed fewer antibodies against these viruses. The French are therefore more vulnerable this year to the flu. Santé Publique France therefore recalls the importance of barrier gestures, and recommends wearing a mask when you are sick, to limit contamination, especially among the most vulnerable people. Indeed, the Covid-19 is still circulating, too. An organism weakened by the flu is therefore less combative against the coronavirus, which still kills hundreds of people every day. “In the current context, however, it is important to remember the value of barrier gestures to limit the spread of influenza viruses and protect people at risk, especially the elderly. Vaccination and respect for barrier gestures remain the best means of protecting yourself from the flu,” concludes Santé Publique France. Covid, cold or flu: how to differentiate the symptoms?
With the cold, winter diseases returned to France. Sore throats, flus, colds and other gastroenteritis begin to multiply. How to differentiate these viruses from Covid-19? We take stock. [Lire la suite]