Luxembourg almost spared by the flu virus

In 2021, temperatures have never been so cool in years. But it is especially the floods of July that are remembered.

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The mild temperatures do not however fully explain the absence of influenza: “Barrier actions against the coronavirus are particularly effective against influenza viruses”, explains Dr. Schwartz. Masks, in particular, are said to be very effective in preventing the spread of influenza. “This is transmitted by droplets, covid by aerosols”, explains Jean-Paul Schwartz. As the former are significantly larger, they are easier to filter from the air you breathe. “In addition, the droplets fall to the ground more quickly and stay suspended in the air for a shorter time.”

Flu medications

Unlike covid, influenza is now treatable well. Three drugs are already authorized, including ozeltamivir (Tamiflu). These, if used in time, would have a positive outcome on the disease.

But these drugs could also be used to break the chains of infection. “When the flu broke out in a nursing home and all residents were treated with the antiviral drug, the epidemic ended instantly,” recalls Dr. Schwartz of past flu seasons. According to him, if the vaccine against the seasonal flu is not as effective as hoped, it is good to be able to resort to such drugs.

Bird flu in Luxembourg

“The influenza virus has two different surface proteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, H and N,” says Dr. Schwartz. These proteins can give rise to 144 different combinations that play a role in humans. There is thus the avian flu H5N1 or the swine flu H1N1.

In September, a Luxembourg poultry farmer found an animal infected with bird flu. Jean-Paul Schwartz believes that the risk of transmission of the virus from animals to humans is very low. But according to him, we must always take bird flu seriously and curb the danger. In Asia, living conditions are often such that people live with pigs and poultry. “The pig is a kind of laboratory for new influenza viruses,” said the doctor. Birds bring the virus to the pig and later it is passed on to humans in a new mutant form.

“This is how new strains of influenza keep appearing,” says Dr. Schwartz. The H5N1 avian influenza pandemic in 2004 would also have arisen in this way. “Out of 100 people infected, 60 to 65 were then deceased,” recalls the doctor.

Different combinations

Well-tolerated seasonal influenza vaccines have been around for decades. Every fall, it is possible to get vaccinated for the upcoming flu season, because winter is flu season.

This is true for both the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere. Flu season in the north begins when that in the south ends. “Travelers and migrating birds bring the flu to the north,” says the doctor. “This is why we know the strain of influenza well before the start of the influenza season and can adapt the vaccine accordingly,” he adds. This season, the southern hemisphere has also been spared the flu, making the doctor confident about his development in the north.

Get the flu shot

When the seasonal virus is known in April / May, production takes six months before doses of vaccine reach pharmacies. After just one bite, you are protected against four different strains of the flu. “This year there are enough vaccines,” says the doctor.

There is also still time to get the flu shot, he adds. Dr Schwartz advises people over 65, at-risk patients and pregnant women to get the vaccine. Indeed, a “simple flu” can also cause complications.

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On the same subject

Between December 27 and January 2, 5,641 people tested positive for covid-19 in Luxembourg. A record figure, which represents an increase of 110% compared to the previous week.

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As questions from citizens are more and more numerous, the authorities want to improve the system to better serve callers.

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The banal seasonal flu has already claimed victims on the French side. In the Grand Duchy, the epidemic has just shifted into high gear. Almost 7% of patients consulting a general practitioner or pediatrician suffer from the virus.

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Recommendation of the Department of Health

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Every winter, seasonal flu affects millions of people in Europe, and can cause serious complications in frail people. The Department of Health calls on people at risk to protect themselves by being vaccinated.

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The flu epidemic has started to decline, but still leaves many bedridden people with fever. Update on this dreaded seasonal virus.

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Update on the epidemic in Luxembourg

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Are you exposed? Have you started to cough, do you have fever, headache? Doctor Françoise Berthet answers our questions and explains to us how the virus presents itself and what to do if you have it.

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