Influenza: Overall immunity is ‘lower’ than before the Covid pandemic
After two years of the Covid-19 pandemic with restrictive measures, masks and barrier gestures, the flu virus soon returns. A virus that has been stopped for two years could lead to a rapid and significant epidemic this year, warns Professor Bruno Lina, virologist at the University Hospital of Lyon and head of the National Reference Center (CNR) for respiratory viruses: “We are dealing with a virus that catches up with time. Very little has circulated for two years, with the consequences of reducing the diversity of flu strains. Those in circulation are almost identical. This has allowed us to prepare a well-adapted vaccine. On the other hand, overall immunity is lower than we had before the pandemic, which exposes the possibility of a rapid recirculation of the virus.
The seasonal flu vaccination campaign has been delayed
This early arrival of the flu in a less immunized population comes as the flu vaccination campaign has been delayed. For the moment, 4 million French people declared “at risk” have been vaccinated, with a 20% drop compared to last year. In doctors’ offices as well as in pharmacies, we see that patients have not rushed. The mild autumn slowed down the campaign.
Three epidemics in progress
This early winter accumulates three epidemics at once. The flu that is starting, the Covid that is still there and the bronchiolitis of young children that is already saturating the hospitals. In this context, healthcare professionals are concerned about the possible consequences of the flu in the coming weeks. This is why Medicare and health care providers are quickly calling for the most vulnerable to be vaccinated.
Influenza is a disease that can be serious in the elderly, but also for the under 65s suffering from chronic pathologies: tumors or heart and respiratory diseases. Or even pregnant women who are seven times more at risk of severe forms. However, it takes two weeks for the vaccine to take effect and the looming calendar is not very favorable with a peak of the epidemic likely around the end of the year holidays. The medical profession recommends a return to barrier gestures to limit the spread of the virus.
