2023-12-07 15:53:30
Increase in cases of Covid, flu, bronchiolitis, pneumonia… the situation in France
In France, we are observing an unusual increase in respiratory infections in Mycoplasma pneumoniae since the end of November 2023 (precisely in week 47). In his bulletin national d’informationPublic Health France confirms that, “among adults, respiratory indicators are on the rise, such as suspected COVID 19 infection (+28%), influenza/flu syndrome (+34%), pneumonia (+23%, much higher than the previous years), acute bronchitis (+14%) and upper respiratory tract pathologies (+9%)”. Other European countries have also recently reported increases in infections. Mycoplasma pneumoniae such as Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland…
What alerts? The serious increase in infectious pneumonia among those under 15 (at levels which have not been observed for at least 10 years) causing health authorities to fear several epidemics at the same time.
Everything you need to know regarding bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Since the beginning of autumn we have observed an increase in cases of respiratory diseases. Much more than the same period in 2022. The cause? A “unusual upsurge” from cas d’typical respiratory infections Mycoplasma pneumoniaereported by the Directorate General of Health (DGS). Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacteria responsible for infections of the upper or lower respiratory tract. Well known, this bacterium experiences epidemic peaks every 3 to 7 years and causes lung infections. The problem? This is because the number of cases is much higher than that recorded at the same period 4 years ago, in 2019 during the last epidemic peak (i.e. before the health crisis).
In the majority of cases, the infection heals spontaneously following a few days. But, in some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.
It is transmitted by respiratory route via droplets, during prolonged contact.
Incubation is generally 1 to 3 weeks.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection: symptoms and complications
The most common symptoms of bacteria infection Mycoplasma pneumoniae are the following :
- cough,
- headache,
- high fever
- shortness of breath.
These symptoms can last up to 7 days.
The vast majority of infections are benign and heal spontaneously but some cases may require hospitalization in case of complications. Among the most widespread complications we mention the exacerbation of asthma or even rare manifestations (cutaneous or neurological).
To prevent the spread of the bacteria and avoid an increase in cases, congestion in hospitals, etc. In particular, we can adopt certain preventive reflexes:
- Wear a mask in case of symptoms (cold, fever, sore throat or cough), in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or with a hydro-alcoholic solution
- Ventilate your home regularly
- Sneezing into your elbow (rather than your hands)
- Use a single-use tissue
Source: Increase in Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in France, Santé Publique France.
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