Cases of influenza are observed at this time in France. Epidemiologists fear “a serious risk of an epidemic”, especially since our overall immunity against the flu has probably diminished. The vaccination campaign is starting soon. Symptoms, incubation time, treatment…
[Mis à jour le 4 octobre 2022 à 12h28] There are approximately 2 to 6 million cases of flu each year in France. “We haven’t had a major flu epidemic for two years and so our overall immunity to the flu has probably waned“, indicates Professor Brigitte Autran, president of Covars, on October 4 on RMC, which “enormously” encourages vaccination against the flu, as much as against the Covid. Similarly, Alain Fischer, professor of immunology, in an interview with the Parisian September 28 calls for flu vaccinationespecially for the elderly, frail, and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to this acute respiratory infectiondue to a virus Influenza. The vaccination campaign against seasonal flu starts on October 18 in pharmacies, indicates a statement of the Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister). Thus, from October 18 to November 15, 2022, vaccination will be reserved for people at risk : over 65, carriers of chronic diseasespregnant women, people suffering from obesity, those around infants under 6 months at risk, health professionals… Then everyone can get vaccinated. What are the flu symptoms ? The incubation period? The disease duration ? Is she contagious ? What are the treatments (natural or medicinal) to heal quickly? When to get vaccinated? Our special file on the flu
Definition: what is a flu?
The flu is a acute respiratory infectiondue to a virus Influenza, while an influenza-like illness can be caused by many other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus, virus syncytial respiratory, etc. Influenza viruses are mainly divided into two types: A and Bdividing themselves into two subtypes (A(H3N2) et A(H1N1) pdm09) or lineages (B/Victoria et B/Yamagata). Type A influenza viruses circulate in many animal species (ducks, chickens, pigs, horses, seals, etc.). Influenza viruses from type B circulate mainly in humans. Viruses A and B cause seasonal epidemics in humans, but only type A viruses have been responsible for pandemics to date, points out Public Health France.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Each year, flu epidemics can affect all age groups, but the most vulnerable people are the children under two years old, adults over 65 et people with certain chronic diseases. Early symptoms of the flu include:
- great fatigue,
- chills even when you are not cold,
- a cough dry and painful
- then comes the fever which can rise to more than 39°c,
- aches,
- headaches…
In all cases, in case of sudden aggravation or without improvement of the state 72 hours after the first symptomsit is essential see a doctor.
When to get the flu vaccine?
Vaccination is recommended for people at risk and healthcare professionals, and is the best way to protect against influenza and its complications. It’s necessary allow approximately 15 days between vaccination and the time when the body is protected against the flu. No need to wait for the first cold weather or the start of the epidemic to get vaccinated. The last vaccination campaign ended on February 28, 2022.
The duration of contagion can last 6 days.
How long does a flu last?
A hard flu between 3 and 7 days (5 days on average).
What is the incubation time?
“The incubation time (the time between the moment of illness and the appearance of symptoms) generally lasts between 24 and 48 hours, but it can be extended to 72 hoursrecalls Dr. Parneix. However, the patient is contagious, even before the appearance of symptoms and this, during an average period of 6 days.“
Is the flu contagious?
The flu is a contagious disease. The patient can transmit it “even before the onset of symptoms and during an average period of 6 days“ recalls our interlocutor.
To be infected with the flu virus, you must be in contact with someone who already has the flu. Contamination can occur in three ways:
- The first by airway : a sick person projects droplets of saliva into the air, when talking, coughing or sneezing. Millions of viruses are then found in the air, ready to be inhaled and contaminate you.
- The second, by close direct contact : a sick person shakes your hand or kisses you.
- Finally, contamination can occur through the contact with touched objects by a sick person, for example a doorknob or a telephone.
- Cough at the fold of the elbow and cover your nose when you sneeze,
- Wash your hands with soap regularly throughout the day, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Blow your nose in a tissue and then throw it in the trash, ideally closed with a lid,
- Porter and surgical mask if you are sick and you have to go to a closed and public place, this prevents contaminating others.
- The gel hydroalcoholic is also practical, but in the long term it can dry out the hands.
- Finally, remember to air the rooms regularly, several times a day: you will thus eliminate stagnant viruses in the air, through sneezing and breathing.
What are the treatments for the flu?
In case of flu-like symptoms:
- Consult the doctor quickly. He or she will be able to make the diagnosis and prescribe the most appropriate medications.
- Take some paracetamol to reduce fever, aches and pains.
- The vitamin C is also sometimes recommended to combat fatigue. Similarly, certain foods are particularly recommended to better combat fatigue.
- If necessary, you can complete with a nasal decongestant and one anti-tussif for dry and stubborn coughs.
- Finally, it is necessary drink plenty and rest.
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What are the natural treatments for the flu?
Garlic, lemon, honey, thyme… Several natural solutions can help boost the immune defenses in the prevention or treatment of the flu.
Figures: what assessment in 2022?
Public Health France draws up an initial assessment of the flu epidemic to June 1, 2022. The flu epidemic lasted 9 weeks. But the duration of the epidemic was heterogeneous depending on the region, varying from 7 weeks (Grand Est and Hauts-de-France) to 20 weeks in Occitania. The epidemic peak was late, occurring At the beginning of April. The level of intensity was moderate in community medicine and in the hospital.
- Co-circulation from viruses A(H3N2) and A(H1N1)
- Higher impact in children, high intensity at epidemic peak
- Immunization coverage higher than 2019-20 but lower than 2020-21
- Circulation of influenza viruses over an exceptionally long period (from mid-December to mid-May), marked by a late epidemic resurgence
- During the epidemic period, from early March to early May (S09 to S17):
– Nearly a million consultations for flu syndrome (Sentinels network)
− Proportion of flu-like illnesses among consultations with SOS Médecins de 5.4% to 19.4% at epidemic peak
− Nearly 57,000 visits to the emergency room for flu or flu-like illness, of which 61% concerned children under 15
− About 7,000 hospitalizations after going to the emergency room, including 30% for children under 15
– 594 (0.4%) deaths: 14 were under the age of 15, 73 were between 15 and 64 years old and 507 were aged 65 or over.
What should I do if my child catches the flu?
To prevent your child from contracting the flu virus, it is important to teach him how to blow his nose in a single-use tissue, to cover his nose to his mouth when sneezing or coughing. In any case, consult your pediatrician so that he can examine him and administer, depending on the case, the most appropriate treatment, especially against fever.
To limit the seasonal flu epidemic, it is essential to adopt simple preventive measures on a daily basis aimed at limiting the circulation of the flu virus, particularly in communities and on public transport where it is easily transmitted. For those around people with the flu, it is recommended to respect these few hygiene rules:
- Wash your hands regularly and systematically after each outing and each contact with the sick person.
- Avoid close contact with the person with the flu and in particular if you yourself are vulnerable or “at risk” (pregnant women, seniors, people suffering from a chronic illness or immunocompromised, young children, etc.)
- Wash yourself regularly hands with soap and water, or if you cannot do otherwise, with a hydro-alcoholic solution, especially after any contact with the patient and after each return home.
- Do not share objects such as glasses, cutlery and of course toothbrushes.
- Ventilate its interior every day between 10 and 15 minutes to renew the air and prevent the proliferation of viruses.
- Clean germ nests such as door handles, remote controls, phone screens…
Thank you to Dr Pierre Parneix, medical officer of health and hospital practitioner in public health (Bordeaux University Hospital).