2023-12-06 18:05:42
Sneezing, runny nose, sore throat… We had almost forgotten regarding it but this pesky Covid is indeed making a comeback at the start of winter as evidenced by the latest situation update published by Santé Publique France.
Use of healthcare is still increasing for the fourth consecutive week. “In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 3,981 new cases were declared, 1,189 more than the previous week. The incidence rate of laboratory-confirmed cases is increasing. It went from 54 cases per 100 000 inhabitants with 77 cases. The number of acts for suspected Covid by SOS Médecins in the Region is 6.1%, or 1.3 points more than the previous week. The number of visits to emergency rooms increases by 0.7 points compared to last week (2.5% vs 1.8%) mainly for those aged 65 and over”specifies Public Health France.
In the pharmacies, there is not a big crowd, just a slight shudder of screening requests. “More than a hundred in recent weeks and 80% are positive, notes Stéphane Pichon, president of the Paca regional order of pharmacists. “We are a long way from what we experienced. When people come to get tested, they already have symptoms.”
“Covid is rising, like the flu or bronchiolitis”
“Covid is experiencing an ascending phase in the region, confirms, for his part, Professor Lionel Velly, crisis medical director at Assistance Publique – Marseille Hospitals (AP-HM). Covid cases have been rising, like flu or bronchiolitis, significantly over the past two weeks with the risk of a peak for the Christmas holidays.”
However, should we fear a resumption of the Covid epidemic as we had experienced in previous years as the end-of-year holidays approach?
“With the arrival of cold weather, we are still in a period of risk but quite classic. We talk regarding Covid but there are more than 20 respiratory pathogens which circulate in winter. They are transmitted in the same way and give signs identical. It generally takes two and a half months to pass this threshold. In the meantime, let’s once more adopt good reflexes to avoid too much transmission, tempers Professor Rémy Charrel, virologist and deputy director of the Emerging Viruses Unit at Aix-Marseille University and AP-HM.
“The new variants present classic Omicron symptoms. ENT infections with severe fatigue for a week, sore throat, runny noses,” adds Dr Philippe Halfon, infectious disease specialist at the European Hospital.
There is still time to get vaccinated
But whatever the variant, Covid can still “manifest itself in serious forms among the most fragile. The vaccine currently made available is effective once morest this new variant. There is still time to do it”nevertheless reminds Professor Velly.
A concern shared by Olivier Rey, deputy director of ARS Paca. If he recognizes that the epidemic is making a comeback, it is impossible for him to predict “how intense will it be” due to “reduction in screening tests”. “We have a circulation of the virus in a population which is generally immune. Obviously the impact is less, but our concern is focused on the most vulnerable.”
And to also recommend vaccination for those over 65, patients with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, people suffering from obesity. Sensitive populations for whom the ARS recommends double vaccination with influenza which is currently in the pre-epidemic phase.
The return of the mask?
Reviving barrier gestures and particularly wearing a mask is also the wish of ARS Paca. “It is illusory to imagine today wearing a preventive mask. People who are really at risk or who know they are at risk do so naturally, believes Olivier Rey. On the other hand, wearing a mask when you are sick really helps limit the spread of the virus. It’s a responsible gesture, it’s an effective gesture.”
Putting the mask back on, Marseille health establishments are thinking regarding it. If no instructions have been given to the European Hospital for the moment, the Saint-Joseph hospital has said it is attentive to the evolution of Covid but also of flu and bronchiolitis. Only the AP-HM has strengthened measures on all of its sites. Since Tuesday, wearing a mask has become compulsory in healthcare services and in consultation areas.
On Christmas Eve, it is always good to be careful.
What instructions should I apply in the event of Covid?
Since February 1, 2023, systematic 7-day isolation is no longer mandatory for people who test positive. However, the latter are “strongly” invited to “isolate yourself”has “avoid contact with vulnerable people” and to “maintain respect for barrier gestures”, specifies the Health Insurance website. Concerning contact cases, it is no longer necessary to isolate themselves, but they are invited to “wear a mask“, has “avoid contact with vulnerable and at-risk people” and to “carry out an antigen or PCR screening test if symptoms appear.”
She also reminds that screening remains recommended in the event of characteristic symptoms and contact with a person at risk.
While it is still possible to get tested in a pharmacy or in a laboratory, the tests, on the other hand, are no longer 100% reimbursed, with some exceptions, since March 1, 2023. This is particularly still the case for the most aged 65, minors, patients with long-term illness (ALD), caregivers and staff of health establishments.
If the need arises, people positive for Covid-19 can obtain work leave. But, also since February 1, 2023, the exceptional compensation system for work stoppages created in the context of the health crisis no longer exists. It is now impossible to request an exceptional work stoppage on the dedicated Health Insurance website. Only a doctor can prescribe sick leave.
1701917578
#worried #return #Covid #holidays #approach
