A More Virulent Flu Season: What You Need to Know
This winter,โฃ the seasonal flu has proven to be especially severe, with three distinct strains circulating simultaneously. Dr. Thierry โฃLe Guen, medical advisor โto the Regionalโ Health Agency of Pays de la Loire, warns that the peak of โcontamination has not yet been reached. “There is โฃcurrently a drop in cases and hospitalizationsโข in those over 65, but a โคsharp increase in cases in children,” he explains. This trend suggests a potential rebound effect on older adults, who are more likely to require hospitalization.
The fluโs โincreased virulenceโฃ is attributed to the rare occurrence of three active strains โcirculating at once. “In general, we had one or two strainsโ circulating, and there are three,” Dr. Le Guen notes. โ”This may partly explain the virulence and especially theโ fact that you can catch the flu and thenโ a second.” The simultaneous circulation of these strains means individuals are not necessarily immune โฃto all three,leading to a higher โขnumber of severe cases.
Key Insights on the Current Fluโค Season
| Aspect | details โฃ โข โ โ โ โ โ |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Peak ofโค Contamination | Not yet reached, with a potentialโฃ rebound in older adults. โ โ โฃ |
| Active Strains | Three distinctโ strains circulating simultaneously. โ โ| โฃ
| Severity โค | โMore virulent due to multiple strains,โฃ leading to higherโข hospitalization rates. |
| โ Vaccination | Extended until the โฃend of โขFebruary; still recommended to reduce severity. |
Despite the challenges, vaccination remains a critical tool in combating the flu.Dr.Le Guen emphasizes its importance, especially given the excess mortality observed this year compared toโ previous flu seasons.
The Return of Barrier Gestures
The flu isnโt the only concern this winter. While the peak of gastroenteritis has been reached, the ARS stresses the importance of maintainingโข hygiene practices to prevent the spread of both illnesses.”When there wasโ COVID, everyone was afraid, and theโ barrier gestures were respected,” Dr. Le Guen recalls. “It should be remembered thatโ it is indeed critically important โto wash your โhands.”โ
Simple โขmeasures like handwashing,wearingโ masks in crowded spaces,and staying home when symptomatic can substantially reduce transmission. โฃThese practices, once commonplace during theโค COVID-19 pandemic, are now being revisitedโฃ asโ essential tools in managing the โขcurrent flu outbreak.
What Youโฃ Can Do
- Getโ Vaccinated: itโs not too late toโข protect yourself and others.
- Practiceโข Good Hygiene: Wash โคyour hands frequently and avoid โฃtouching your face.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with โคupdates from health authoritiesโ like the ARS.โ
As the flu โคseason continues to unfold, vigilance and โproactive โขmeasures remain our best defense.Listen to Dr. Thierry Le Guenโs full interview
