The influenza virus is progressing in France, the Great East remains in the pre-epidemic phase. Some prevention reminders.
As part of its surveillance, vigilance and alert missions, Public Health France analyzes the figures for influenza and publishes the indicators resulting from the analysis of these data in a weekly bulletin. According to the results of these observations communicated today, influenza activity for the period from 13 to 19 January (week 03), is increasing and now affects five French regions placed in the epidemic phase including the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Occitanie and Pays de la Loire.
According to the latest figures, the incidence rate of cases of influenza-like illness seen in a general practitioner consultation has been estimated at 122 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 3,417 visits to the emergency room for influenza-like illness, including 328 hospitalizations. Since the start of surveillance (week 40), the services report a “co-circulation of influenza A and type B viruses“Causing admission to intensive care of 183 serious cases of influenza admitted to intensive care (start of surveillance week 45).
The Great East remains in the pre-epidemic phase also registering an increase in the incidence rate relating to consultations, it reaches 85 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (in week 3) against 55 cases (in week 2).
In hospitals, emergency room visits and hospitalizations for influenza increased significantly
The hospital environment is particularly affected. In week 03, the Oscour network reported 3,417 passages for influenza or influenza-like illness and 328 hospitalizations. Indicators markedly increase compared to the previous week, estimates Public Health France.
Since November 4, 2019, 183 serious cases of influenza have been reported, including 21 in the past week. The average age of the cases is 51 years. The majority (73%) of them have risk factors and 62% of the 111 cases with complication risk factors for which the vaccination status is known are not vaccinated, analyzes Public Health France. In 76% of cases, the type A virus has been identified. The flu episode is said to have killed 17 people so far.
Prevention through barrier gestures, to reduce the risk of influenza : Beyond vaccination to protect yourself, the ARS Grand Est recalls that there are hygienic gestures to put into practice against winter viruses, notably the flu: sneeze in the crease of one’s elbow (rather in his hands, wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a hydroalcoholic solution, use a disposable handkerchief or wear a disposable mask when you have an influenza-like illness, especially in contact with frail people (children , elderly, pregnant women…).
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