2023-08-23 15:49:00
Owhere is the Covid? While a new variant of the Omicron family, BA.2.86, has been placed “under surveillance” by the WHO after being detected in Denmark, Israel and the United States, due to mutations in the Spike protein that it presents, in France, it is the EG 5.1 variant, resulting from the XBB.1.5 branch, nicknamed Eris, which becomes the majority.
An epidemic resurgence was thus recorded this summer, the last information bulletin from Santé Publique France, dated August 16, reporting that visits to hospital for suspicion of Covid-19 were on the increase in all classes of age.
But the situation nevertheless remains under control, say the health authorities: Eris seems sensitive to the new vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax – the first two with messenger RNA, the third with recombinant particles – which will be available for the vaccination campaign of fall, from mid-October. The possibility of a return to wearing a compulsory mask does not seem relevant either.
In Releasethe president of the Committee for monitoring and anticipating health risks (Covars), Brigitte Autran, estimated that her return “will be considered if we go back to an intensive epidemic phase, but for the moment, we are not. there “.READ ALSO Covid-19: will the mask return to the hospital?
The two variants nevertheless remain monitored by the WHO – alongside a dozen others – because of their number of mutations, which make them likely to spread more easily.
Maintain good reflexes
“It is normal for the virus to circulate by mutating regularly, thus situates epidemiologist Catherine Hill. These mutations occur randomly, and from time to time, one may stumble upon more contagious forms gaining ground. We must therefore remain vigilant and monitor them. »
But according to general practitioner Judith Loeb Mansour, there is currently no reason to worry too much. “I had a lot of cases of Covid in consultation two weeks ago, she explains to the Point, but it calms down. We are more on an epidemic wavelet than on a new wave, it is not panic. »
For the doctor, it is above all necessary to maintain good reflexes in the face of Covid and other diseases, to avoid a further spread of the epidemic. “You have to be smart, underlines Judith Loeb Mansour. When you are sick, you wear a mask, and you avoid closed and crowded places, such as cinemas or shopping malls. Fragile people and their loved ones should also wear the mask when exposed to crowds. Covid or not, it remains a good habit in the face of viruses. »
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You should also not leave the hydroalcoholic gel in the closet, or at least continue to wash your hands regularly with soap. Just like keeping your distance from others when you have symptoms, and avoiding kissing five people when you arrive at work.
Continue to vaccinate older people
The new vaccination campaign, which should begin in the fall, will target people over 65 and vulnerable people. A protocol ultimately close to that deployed for several years against the flu, which killed roughly the same number of people as the Covid last winter. The two vaccines can also be administered at the same time.
A necessity, because “the elderly and very elderly population is not perfectly vaccinated, or has not been for a long time, explains Catherine Hill. This is a problem in nursing homes for example. We might even have to move the campaign forward. Since Omicron, being vaccinated makes it possible to avoid serious forms of Covid, but does not prevent the virus from circulating, hence the need to continue to vaccinate the most fragile. The large part of the population is already quite well protected, and can catch up with the virus without it being serious. »
No need to panic, therefore, but vigilance and prevention. Judith Loeb Mansour therefore recommends not to hesitate to consult.
“Prevention should not be neglected,” she insists. With the Covid, many people have given up on it: people were testing themselves and going to lock themselves up at home. However, many visits to the emergency room can be avoided with early follow-up in city medicine. You have to continue to go to the doctor regularly, to take stock of your health when you are well and to consult when you have symptoms. You really shouldn’t hesitate. »
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