Severe stomach pain, without necessarily the symptoms that precipitate you on the bowl. Or the other way around, to the point of being dehydrated or sick enough to feel unwell … This may be one of the seasonal digestive viruses; in other words: “gastro”.
1. The gastroenteritis epidemic is well established
Auvergne has entered an epidemic peak for gastrointestinal viruses for several days already. Dr. Laurent Dissard, president of SOS doctor Clermont-Ferrand, explains that seasonal rotaviruses started to be talked about a fortnight ago.
Doctors in the association diagnose gastroenteritis 10 to 15 times a day. And general practitioners’ offices now also make it their daily routine.
The epidemic also generates an influx of emergency patients at the Gabriel-Montpied University Hospital, which also has to deal with seasonal respiratory viruses (bronchiolitis and RSV infections in particular).
“The situation is intense, but controlled. With peaks of saturation against a background of permanent tension ”
Dr Julien Raconnat and Pr Jeannot Schmidt (Head of the emergency department and head of the cluster of Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital)
–
In Puy-de-Dôme, digestive epidemics have made a remarkable appearance with, as a striking characteristic, extreme contagiousness: both within social groups (family, work) and between patients and carers.
In the emergency departments of the CHU, Dr. Julien Raconnat, head of the emergency department, and Professor Jeannot Schmidt, head of the department explain: “We had to manage not only the influx of patients, but also the impact of the epidemic on human resources… One night, executives had to manage 14 last-minute absences. One night with three nurses out of five who had to give themselves an infusion to be able to continue working … This is the first time that we have seen this, “says Professor Jeannot Schmidt.
2. Brief, violent and very contagious
This winter, the initial picture of gastroenteritis does not necessarily bring together the full panoply of classic symptoms: stomach ache, vomiting and acute diarrhea.
There may be only one or the other of these symptoms. But they are very marked. “You can see intense stomach aches to the point where you can cause vagal discomfort. We have very dehydrated people, low blood pressure with falls … “The disease is not often serious in itself, but the immediate consequences can be:” We are already at ten or 15 elderly people who have broke a hip, ”says Pr Schmidt.
Except complications, the symptoms disappear spontaneously in 24 to 48 hours. But in the acute phase, it is difficult to share things on the phone. “Sometimes you have to put your hand on your stomach to rule out kidney infections, appendicular syndromes, or whatever,” says Dr. Dissard.
Emergency room physicians therefore suggest that patients who cannot reach a doctor call “15” for referral before going to the hospital. “And don’t hesitate to call back if the symptoms persist or worsen.”
3. The flu at the gates of Auvergne.
If doctors increase consultations with bags of antiemetics, they are also preparing to treat fever, cough, body aches and other flu-like symptoms. Auvergne is still relatively unaffected by the flu, but the first cases have been identified. They are, for the moment, brought by people who have crossed already affected regions (south and especially southeast of France). 
Voltage in the emergency department of Clermont Ferrand, where an automated system is set up during an influenza epidemic peak for an express diagnosis
The flu also promises to be particularly contagious in light of the data collected in the southern hemisphere.
4. Case study at Cébazat
The first alert – between December 8 and 12 at Cébazat, Louise-Michel hospital – is a real textbook case in terms of contagion and effective response. Dr. Patrick Ledieu, area manager for the CHU’s long-term care unit, had to manage nine influenza in the same corridor. This while the epidemic had not yet been declared in Auvergne! “It is believed that the virus may have been brought in during a visit. We have implemented drastic measures: confinement of residents, systematic mask for carers, ditto for visitors. ” 
At Louise-Michel Hospital, Dr. Ledieu insists on the use of masks and hydroalcoholic gel by visitors.
“The epidemic was stopped dead. But you can see how fast it can go: other people were already sick even when the first flu was identified. “
5. New: machines for express screening
Last year, the emergency departments of Clermont University Hospital and its virology laboratory tested an automated system capable of identifying an active respiratory virus during an epidemic. Sampling and diagnosis are carried out within the emergency department, in 30 minutes and as reliably as in the laboratory.
This winter, this localized biology device is offered not only at the Montpied site, but also at the pediatric emergencies of Estaing. No need to rush there, however. This remedy is only reserved for the most serious cases and for patients to be isolated.
6. Think of the others: come out masked!
Viruses that cause gastroenteritis also pass through contaminated saliva, stool and hands. Prevention involves several options: for yourself and others.
- Vaccination against influenza. Even late, is still advised. It will be effective within three weeks, when we may only come across the virus.
- Conventional hygiene measures. In an epidemic context, prevention is essential in all possible ways; starting with systematic hand washing. In contact with fragile people. For both the self and the frail, the use of hydroalcoholic gel is now systematically offered in medical settings. Often associated with wearing a mask.
This is the case at the Louise-Michel hospital in Cébazat, where residents of the elderly, diabetics, cardiac or respiratory patients reside … At the entrance to the corridors, there are now mobile totems fitted with “contact cards” with the precautions adapted to each patient. It offers hydroalcoholic gel, masks, and even gloves or gowns to use to protect the patient - On the mouth and nose. Everywhere, recommendations are multiplying in favor of wearing a respiratory mask on the nose and on the mouth: to avoid spreading germs at work and in public places. Doctors now regularly refer to the example of the Japanese who do not hesitate to go out masked. And they particularly call for vigilance during sales and other events promoting the mixing of audiences … beds of epidemics.
Anne Bourges
[email protected]
– .
