Although the winter flu epidemic has intensified at the beginning of the year and 87 hospitals have activated the white plan, is there still time to get vaccinated? Yes, says Catherine Vautrin, Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families. On CNews-Europe 1, this Friday he called on “those who have not yet been vaccinated” to do so.
“When we look at emergency room arrivals and, in particular, complication cases, more than 70% of them are people who are not vaccinated and who are eligible people.”
If the vaccination campaign began on October 15, it continues until January 31, indicates Health Insurance. As a reminder: Even getting vaccinated late can protect you and others, especially people at risk, since the flu virus usually lasts until March.
The Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Pays de la Loire wrote in early January that vaccination allows “to protect the most vulnerable people and limit the pressure on hospital services.” Last year, the campaign was even extended until February 29 due to the high circulation of different respiratory viruses in most regions.
“An exceptionally high level of intensity”
In fact, activity related to acute respiratory infections is increasing in community medicine and hospitals, according to the latest French Public Health bulletin (SPF). The proportion of influenza/like illness hospitalizations among all-cause hospitalizations is “at an exceptionally high level of intensity compared to previous seasons.”
As a reminder, the flu is a contagious disease that can be very serious. “Complications may appear (pneumonia, worsening of a chronic disease, etc.),” explains Seguros de Salud. “Every year, the flu is responsible for hospitalizations and even deaths.”
Additionally, the vaccine is free for people at risk. These are people aged 65 or over, those under 65 who suffer from certain chronic diseases, pregnant women, obese people, but also those who are close to children at risk of suffering from severe flu and immunocompromised people, for protect them.
“Vaccination, the best way to protect yourself”
The vaccine is then administered free of charge in pharmacies upon presentation of the Vitale card and the Health Insurance voucher. “Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the flu,” reminds Public Health France. The flu affects between 2 and 6 million people each winter.
The adoption of barrier gestures also remains essential: hand washing, ventilation of rooms and use of a mask in case of symptoms (fever, sore throat or cough), in places frequented by vulnerable people.
The flu epidemic usually lasts ten to twelve weeks. The first region to enter the epidemic phase was Ile-de-France in the week of November 25 or December 1, the SPF indicated in its bulletin of December 4. Two weeks later, the entire metropolis (with the exception of Corsica) entered the epidemic phase.
Source: BFM TV
