Simultaneous circulation of respiratory viruses
In winter, many viruses are present. Respiratory viruses are responsible for colds, nasopharyngitis, seasonal flu, bronchitis and bronchiolitis in children. Since 2020, the pandemic dynamics of COVID-19 have impacted the epidemiology of the various viruses responsible for winter pathologies.
In recent weeks, the continuation of the early increase in influenza and the very high level of cases of bronchiolitis have added to the active circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus throughout the territory. All metropolitan areas are now in the epidemic phase.
The concomitant circulation of respiratory viruses is worrying because it can have a strong clinical impact on healthcare systems, especially hospitals. This situation is quite atypical of previous years, which were rather marked by the succession of different respiratory viruses.
In this context, Public Health France is strengthening epidemiological surveillance and recalling the preventive measures to be adopted.
How to reduce the risk of contamination?
The viruses responsible for bronchiolitis, influenza and Covid-19 are transmitted by droplets (emitted by coughing, sneezing or by spittle from people infected with a respiratory virus) or by direct contact with the hands of a woman. infected person or by contact with a contaminated object by a sick person.
As the holidays and end-of-year celebrations approach with gatherings conducive to the transmission of these viruses, Public Health France recalls the simple barrier gestures to adopt:
- wear a mask in the presence of vulnerable people, in the event of crowding in closed spaces such as public transport;
- greet each other without shaking hands or kissing;
- washing hands frequently;
- ventilate the rooms;
- cough and sneeze into his elbow.
Hygiene measures to prevent bronchiolitis
- Wash your hands before approaching an infant. It should last 30 seconds, with soap and water or using a hydroalcoholic solution if it is not possible to wash your hands.
- Avoid, when possible, taking your child to confined public places (public transport, shopping malls, etc.), where he might come into contact with people with colds.
- Do not share unwashed bottles, pacifiers or cutlery.
- Ventilate the room by opening the windows at least 10 minutes a day.
- Do not smoke near babies and children.
- Regularly clean the objects with which the infant comes into contact (games, pacifiers, etc.).
Read also
Vaccination remains the best protection once morest severe forms of influenza and Covid-19
Against Covid-19 and the flu, vaccination is a major protective lever that considerably reduces the risk of death and serious forms. It is open to all French people who wish to do so and is highly recommended for:
- people aged 60 and over;
- residents of EHPAD and USLD, regardless of their age;
- immunocompromised people, whatever their age;
- people with comorbidity(ies), regardless of their age;
- pregnant women from the 1st trimester of pregnancy;
- people living in the neighborhood or in regular contact with vulnerable people;
- professionals in the health and medico-social sectors.
There is no delay to be observed between vaccination once morest influenza and vaccination once morest Covid-19 (booster dose or not). The two injections can be performed at the same time, on two separate vaccination sites, for example one vaccine in each arm.
Reinforced surveillance during the winter period
As part of its surveillance, vigilance and alert missions in the field of seasonal epidemics, Public Health France analyzes the surveillance data for Covid-19 and winter viruses from its partner networks.
Surveillance of winter epidemics begins in October and ends in mid-April of the following year in metropolitan France. In particular, it makes it possible to detect the start of the epidemic, to monitor its evolution and to estimate its impact on the community and healthcare structures.
The analysis of these data is published weekly in national epidemiological bulletins and regional epidemiological points.
