The flu epidemic has reached “an exceptionally high level of intensity compared to previous seasons” in the hospital, warns Public Health France in its weekly epidemiological bulletin of January 8. The entire metropolitan area is now in the middle of an epidemic, with a completely red map. But how to recognize the virus?
• Fever, pain: symptoms
As Public Health France points out, the flu is “bedridden.” The disease, which manifests itself an average of 48 hours after contamination, is manifested by very intense fatigue.
“We are talking about fever, body aches, chills, headaches and cough, at first quite dry,” Agnès Ricard-Hibon, spokesperson for SAMU Emergencies de France, explains to BFMTV.com. The fever starts around 38.5°C and in some cases it can “go much higher,” he adds.
The symptoms do not vary much from one strain of flu to another, as explained by Bruno Lina, professor of virology at the University Hospital of Lyon. “They are the same whatever the virus, with small nuances,” particularly in influenza B, which “often causes muscle pain in children.”
“The real difference is that the population affected by these viruses is not the same,” recalls the specialist.
• Flu or Covid? The benefit of testing
The flu is not the only disease spreading in France. We can also cite Covid-19, whose symptoms may also seem quite similar at some points.
“It is difficult even for healthcare professionals to tell the difference,” acknowledges Agnès Ricard-Hibon. “Currently, Covid-19 presents some more ENT symptoms and may present digestive symptoms.”
For guidance, we must rely on evidence, particularly among at-risk populations. Recently, for example, a self-test capable of detecting Covid, flu and bronchiolitis was launched on the market.
“The tests are easy to perform, it would be a shame to do without them,” says the spokesperson, who sees in them, in addition to the epidemiological interest, a way to rule out other more serious diagnoses, such as meningitis.
• When in doubt, the reflection “15”
In younger people, without comorbidity, the flu is treated with rest, plenty of water and paracetamol. However, be alert if you feel unwell, have difficulty breathing, or if fever persists. When should you consult?
Instead of leaving the matter to the patient’s discretion, the head of the SAMU emergency service in France insists on the reflection of a telephone call to “15”:
“Before consulting, there is a call to 15 that allows you to give advice and reassurance. When you have doubts, instead of going to the emergency room, they put you in contact with a family doctor who can refer you to the appropriate solution. : consultation, advice at home or referral to an emergency structure.
The professional, however, insists on the risk of self-censorship. Patients who require urgent medical attention but, aware of emergency room congestion, would mistakenly choose not to go there.
Source: BFM TV
