The flu is spreading rapidly throughout mainland France.
As we enter spring, France is facing a major pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The Omicron variant in question and more precisely its BA.2 sub-lineage, which replaced the previous BA.1 strain. Its high infectivity causes a resurgence of epidemic indicators: as of March 24, 2022, an average of more than 100,000 new daily cases have been reported in 7 days.
But during this time the flu is also making a comeback. In its latest bulletin dated March 23, 2022, Public Health France noted ” Sustained increase in all influenza indicators ,
“Pandemic in all regions”
Flu+ increased 50% between week 10 and week 11. All regions are now in a pandemic “, notes Public Health France, and it belongs to all classes. A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses co-circulate, but it is the H3N2 subtype that becomes the majority.
This flu pandemic occurs much later than usual throughout the metropolitan area – as the pandemic begins in late winter and continues into early spring. In question, the concomitant between the end of the winter school holidays and the easing of restrictions, aimed at controlling the Covid pandemic.
Indeed, since mid-March in particular, wearing a mask is no longer mandatory in closed spaces and the protocol no longer applies at the company. However, these measures acted as brakes on other viruses as well, so their release caused a sudden, strong relapse of the flu – and some other winter viruses. , To effectively fight against the transmission of all viruses, including the flu, or even COVID-19, it is necessary to continue to implement barrier gestures. ”, recalls Public Health France.
According to initial estimates, this season the flu vaccine will be 50% effective. This vaccine is re-adjusted for new influenza strains every year, so its effectiveness fluctuates from year to year, and almost never exceeds 50%.
