2023-12-22 09:50:07
The influenza virus can cause several types of complications. “During the infection phase, the main risk is the respiratory consequences. In the post-flu period, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and chronically ill, we observe an increase in cardiovascular complications: myocardial infarction and stroke. Finally, the flu gives rise to numerous secondary infections, such as pneumococcal infections responsible for pneumonia or septicemia. » And Professor Guérin recalls that “it is always the oldest and the sickest who pay the heaviest price for the flu. » Without forgetting that the triple epidemic of influenza/Covid-19/respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) last year weighed heavily on our healthcare system.
So many elements which explain the latest recommendation from the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology and 23 other learned societies. “We are pleading so that older people can access the so-called high-dose vaccine. It contains the same antigens as the other vaccines but it is dosed more precisely in order to correct immunosenescence. This allows for a slightly stronger immune response. This vaccine has already shown this superiority in France in terms of immune response but also in clinical terms, with fewer cases of flu. In other words, in real life. »
There is still time to protect yourself
For our specialist, “fragile people can still be vaccinated against the flu, even if it becomes a bit urgent since we are in the pre-epidemic phase. Remember that the vaccine becomes effective 15 days after injection. This year vaccination coverage seems even lower than in previous seasons, really consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others in order to have a peaceful winter. »
According to Santé Publique France, “flu/flu-like syndrome indicators were increasing in community medicine and hospitals in all age groups”. The Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-France-Comté, Grand Est and Occitanie regions are in the epidemic stage and five other regions are in the pre-epidemic phase. So the flu is here and the population is aging. It is important to be vaccinated to protect yourself, protect your loved ones, and protect the French health system.
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