Influenza is the leading cause of intensive care unit admissions in Île-de-France, amid pandemics

The H1N1 virus, the main strain of influenza, is currently circulating in France, with consequences for admissions to intensive care units.

According to the latest indicators from Public Health France, all of France is in the pandemic phase of the flu, the traditional winter epidemic. The increase in cases leads to a mechanical increase in hospitalizations because the flu can cause severe complications and kill thousands of patients every winter.

In Hauts-de-Seine, the intensive care medicine department at Garches Hospital is full. Nothing out of the ordinary, it’s winter and the flu, the H1N1 strain circulating at the moment and which traditionally causes severe forms, has brought its share of patients. “It’s about today Main reason for admission to the intensive care unit: About one in two patients who present with respiratory symptoms have the flu., clarifies Professor Zillali Anna, head of the department. Most patients are over 70 years of age. But not all: “The last patient admitted to the department with influenza A was a 58-year-old”The professor assures.

From a long corridor that leads to bright rooms with transparent doors, we see some patients conscious in their beds, while others sleep: all serious cases. “Unfortunately, every year, there are people, especially vulnerable people, who die from the flu. So yes, the flu is a very serious matter.”Jillali continues Anna.

The vaccine protects against major strains in the circulation

It usually takes a few days for people susceptible to this respiratory virus to be sent to the hospital: “It will start with a cough. Then, finally, a runny nose, a sore throat… then, finally, shortness of breath and a wet cough. The danger is that shortness of breath requires extra oxygen to get the oxygen properly. The blood, and Hence hospitalization. Or the most severe forms require respiratory support, and therefore admission to intensive care.”The head of the department clarifies, before sliding that here, about half of the patients are not vaccinated.

This year, the vaccine protects against the main strains in circulation: “H1N1 is really completely covered by the vaccine. There are one or two other serotypes that are a little less common but that cause less severe forms. So we can say that the flu vaccine, today, protects well against the flu.” Fewer than half of those at risk have gotten the flu vaccine this year. As the epidemic reaches its peak, the health ministry has decided to extend the vaccination campaign till the end of the month.