Active circulation of winter viruses in the region
The winter viruses are indeed back in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The latest data published by the regional public health unit France indicate active circulation of bronchiolitis virus and increasing epidemic dynamics for influenza and Covid-19 viruses
As of December 4, the region recorded:
- Bronchiolitis : The region is experiencing an unprecedented epidemic situation with data higher than those of all seasonal epidemics since 2010 in the region.
Hospitalizations for bronchiolitis represent 62.2% of all hospitalizations for children under 2 years old (-2.4% since last week). - Flu : Passage of the region in epidemic phase with an increase in visits to emergencies observed since the previous week.
- Covid-19 : More than 2,300 people hospitalized in the region due to Covid-19, including 105 critical care patients and more than 59,000 new cases confirmed during the week
Good reflexes: barrier gestures and vaccination of the most vulnerable
The significant drop in “traditional” winter viruses (influenza, bronchiolitis, gastroenteritis, etc.) observed during the 2020-21 season, due in particular to distancing measures and the strict application of barrier gestures, confirms the importance of these preventive measures to curb the circulation of viruses.
Faced with the return of winter viruses and the approach of the end of year celebrations, it is more than ever necessary to reactivate barrier gestures and vaccination of the most vulnerable.
The right barrier gestures to apply
- Wear a mask in closed, crowded places (public transport, concert halls, etc.) and at the first symptoms of illness
- Wash your hands regularly or use a hydro-alcoholic washing solution (How to wash your hands effectively?)
- Regularly ventilate the rooms and places of life (housing, office) at least 10 minutes every day
- Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a disposable tissue
- Blow your nose in a single handkerchief and throw it away
The right things to do to protect your child from bronchiolitis
The application of barrier gestures is also recommended to fight against invasive group A streptococcal infections (bacterial angina, scarlet fever, etc.) for which several cases have been reported in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in recent days.
Vaccination of the most vulnerable against Covid-19 and the flu
Flu vaccination campaigns and the Covid-19, launched in October, are always open and in particular to the most fragile.
Flu vaccination campaign
Vaccination against influenza has been possible for everyone since November 15, 2022. It is recommended for the most vulnerable (people over 65, pregnant women, patients with long-term illnesses, etc.). For these people, vaccination is free on presentation of a voucher provided by the Health Insurance to a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Learn more about flu vaccination
Vaccination campaign against Covid-19
The protection against the Covid-19 virus given by the vaccine decreases over time. A recall is necessary to ensure effective protection against serious forms in the most fragile. This is why a reminder campaign has been open since October 2022 with people residing in collective structures (EHPAD, USLD), but also with people over the age of 60 and fragile people.
Find out more about the recall campaign against Covid-19 and take vaccination appointment
As a reminder, the two vaccines can be carried out at the same time
The protection of the most vulnerable also involves the vaccination of the professionals working with them.
Influenza or Covid-19, health professionals have an essential role in the vaccination process as trusted interlocutors for their patients. The role of caregivers in the anti-influenza campaign is also to protect themselves so that they can continue to carry out their care activity and protect their patients, in particular the most fragile.
The ARS invites all professionals in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk of severe influenza within health and medico-social establishments, and in particular all staff working in nursing homes, including caregivers, to have them vaccinated against winter virus.