A More Virulent Flu Season: What You Need to Know
This winter, the seasonal flu has proven to be especially severe, with three distinct strains circulating simultaneously. Dr. Thierry Le Guen, medical advisor to the Regional Health Agency of Pays de la Loire, warns that the peak of contamination has not yet been reached. “There is currently a drop in cases and hospitalizations in those over 65, but a sharp 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 flu’s increased virulence is attributed to the rare occurrence of three active strains circulating at once. “In general, we had one or two strains circulating, and there are three,” Dr. Le Guen notes. ”This may partly explain the virulence and especially the fact that you can catch the flu and then a second.” The simultaneous circulation of these strains means individuals are not necessarily immune to all three,leading to a higher number of severe cases.
Key Insights on the Current Flu Season
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Peak of Contamination | Not yet reached, with a potential rebound in older adults. |
| Active Strains | Three distinct strains circulating simultaneously. |
| Severity | More virulent due to multiple strains, leading to higher hospitalization rates. |
| Vaccination | Extended until the end of February; 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 to previous flu seasons.
The Return of Barrier Gestures
The flu isn’t the only concern this winter. While the peak of gastroenteritis has been reached, the ARS stresses the importance of maintaining hygiene practices to prevent the spread of both illnesses.”When there was COVID, everyone was afraid, and the barrier gestures were respected,” Dr. Le Guen recalls. “It should be remembered that it is indeed critically important to wash your hands.”
Simple measures like handwashing,wearing masks in crowded spaces,and staying home when symptomatic can substantially reduce transmission. These practices, once commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic, are now being revisited as essential tools in managing the current flu outbreak.
What You Can Do
- Get Vaccinated: it’s not too late to protect yourself and others.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with updates from health authorities like the ARS.
As the flu season continues to unfold, vigilance and proactive measures remain our best defense.Listen to Dr. Thierry Le Guen’s full interview Health Agency (ARS) has introduced nighttime emergency regulations to alleviate pressure on overwhelmed healthcare facilities. The measures, effective until February 24, aim to manage the surge in emergency visits linked to the flu outbreak. Hospitals affected include the CHU de Nantes, as well as facilities in Rezé, Ancenis, Saint-Nazaire, and Châteaubriant.
Dr. Thierry Le Guen, delegate Advisor to Medical Strategy at ARS, emphasized the effectiveness of the new system. “It is always tense in terms of emergencies, of course, but there has been no significant increase in the number of passages for a fortnight. Regulated emergency access is positive; this allows people to find alternatives to their health needs,which are not necessarily emergencies. It is something positive. There was no updated event, a particular problem on this regulated access which was very well wedged.”
Under the new regulations, patients seeking emergency care between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. must frist call 15, the emergency medical hotline, unless they are experiencing a life-threatening situation. This step ensures that only critical cases are directed to emergency rooms, reducing unnecessary strain on healthcare workers and resources.
The Importance of Barrier Gestures
In addition to emergency regulations, health officials are urging the public to adopt basic preventive measures to curb the spread of the flu. dr. Le guen stressed the importance of mask-wearing and hand hygiene. “You have to protect others, and if you are sick, you put a mask, and you wash your hands with water and soap. Even if we don’t have a hydro-alcoholic gel, water and soap, it works very well!”
These barrier gestures are essential during winter epidemics, helping to minimize transmission and protect vulnerable populations.
key Hospitals Affected by Emergency regulations
| Hospital | location |
|———————–|——————–|
| CHU de Nantes | Nantes |
| Confluence Hospital | Rezé |
| Ancenis hospital | Ancenis |
| Saint-Nazaire Hospital | Saint-Nazaire |
| Châteaubriant Hospital | Châteaubriant |
A Call to Action
As the flu epidemic continues, residents are encouraged to stay informed and follow health guidelines. If you or a loved one experiences flu-like symptoms, consider contacting 15 before heading to the emergency room. This simple step can definitely help ensure that critical cases recieve prompt attention while reducing the burden on healthcare facilities.
For more information on flu prevention and emergency regulations, visit the ARS Pays de la Loire website.
By adhering to these measures and practicing barrier gestures, the community can work together to mitigate the impact of this winter’s flu epidemic. Stay safe, stay informed, and protect those around you.
