While the triple epidemic of Covid, influenza and bronchiolitis is putting pressure on the health system, the Covars (formerly the Scientific Council) has expressed its advice so that the holidays go as smoothly as possible.
With Christmas Eve this Saturday, December 24th, the end-of-year celebrations finally begin. As for two years, these celebrations will be placed under the sign of vigilance in the face, this time, of a triple epidemic threat. In addition to Covid, flu and bronchiolitis are entering the scene even if, for the first time since 2020, there will be no restrictions from the authorities.
If there are no constraints, this year the Covars, which replaced the scientific council, has published its recommendations so that the holidays go in the best possible way.
Of course, the first thing will be to stay at home if you test positive for Covid-19, if you are in contact or if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or flu, even for those who have been vaccinated.
If symptoms appear, you should first consult your doctor, a home or health care center.
The priority, in the face of this triple epidemic, will be the strengthening of barrier gestures with the use of the mask, highly recommended if you feel feverish and/or in the presence of fragile people. Hand washing, especially when eating, should be essential, as should ventilation of enclosed spaces.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to ventilate the rooms regularly, keeping a window or door open at least 10 minutes per hour or permanently if possible.
Should you test yourself?
A self-test on the day of the event or the day before is always recommended even if the price of tests sold only in pharmacies this year does not help generalize this reflection.
Covars recommends it “in order to protect the most fragile during the holiday period, and in addition to the messages on vaccination” recalling that “this approach had already been used and understood by families in 2020 and 2021”.
If there are no recommendations on the number of guests, some health authorities have asked to “limit the number of people at the table, avoiding kisses and hugs”.
Finally, if it is too late for Christmas, it will be New Year’s time to “ensure that frail people have received the booster dose and, as appropriate, the flu vaccination: the two injections can be given on the same day”. or without delay to be respected if they are not done on the same day”.
