Winter virus increases circulation of Covid-19 in the West

We’re not done with winter viruses yet: while Covid-19 and its JN.1 variants are still circulating, flu cases are on the rise. The Pays de la Loire is now in an epidemic phase, and Brittany, in a pre-epidemic phase, will probably not remain so for long. Covid-19 has been in the news again for several weeks, but should we now consider it as the generator of influenza, the respiratory illness among others?

Kovid-19 is not a disease like any other disease

Explanation and analysis by Professor Mathieu Revest, doctor of infectious diseases at Rennes University Hospital, with Yann Launay. “The fact that the incidence of COVID-19 fluctuates quite frequently, each time due to the emergence of new variants that somewhat escape the immune defenses we already have, proves that it is not yet completely stabilized and that Not back yet. As with any other illness. On the impact in terms of public health, we can now come out with very alarming and very alarming speeches. We don’t have many serious forms at the moment, although there are still quite a few… Immunocompromised people are still very affected, with quite severe forms, thus incapacitation, etc. For the rest of the population, it’s a problem that’s much less serious than it used to be.”

“Our acquired immunity (…) is slightly less protective against the current variant than against the previous variant.”

Many of you have contracted Covid for the second, third or fourth time in recent weeks, and you may be worried about feeling more tired and having more pronounced symptoms than the first time.

Could there be a cumulative effect that, for example, weakens the lungs during an infection? According to Matthew Rivest, “On the other hand we are protected by having several covids, will we have a more severe covid, during the second or third episode, it is possible but there is no statistical association, it is the variability on the face of it. Infectious disease… oThere are variants, the former and especially the one before that which was actually very mild, while this variant is a bit more “shocking” and there are people who say “it was like their first covid” with shortness of breath. Our acquired immunity, through natural or vaccine immunity, is a little less protective against the current variant than it was against previous variants, and because it’s a little less protective, the symptoms are a little higher.”

The flu pandemic is still a concern

The development of the flu epidemic is followed with attention, even with some concern, especially considering what is happening in Italy or Spain, where the flu is causing a large number of sick people this winter.

The flu should not be underestimated, as Professor Rivest suggests: “Influenza Killing 10 to 12,000 people each year, it kills the vulnerable and not the healthy like with Covid, but flu pandemics are always a concern, and while vaccination against flu can significantly reduce mortality, there is still time to do so. . ! Unfortunately immunocompromised people do not respond well to vaccination, but when we have these people around, it is better to get them vaccinated against the flu to avoid contamination…”

Should we bring out masks to control the epidemic and relieve the health system?

Faced with an increase in Covid and flu cases, Spain has again made masks mandatory in all hospitals, health centers and pharmacies in the country. Should we put the mask back on in France? Professor Rivest advises putting the mask back on as soon as you experience minor symptoms, even mild ones. “When we feel sick we must maintain this reflex, even if the illness does not prevent the exercise of our daily life, it seems interesting to wear a mask and wash our hands, especially to avoid our contamination with appropriate solutions on a very regular basis. Pathogenic for anyone. ..

We can indeed imagine that unknowingly someone is very fragile for whom this illness can be serious. These should remain appropriate measures. Afterwards, do you have to wear a mask in all public places? I’m not there yet, obviously, but if we want to wear masks during this pandemic period, it doesn’t seem shocking to protect ourselves (in advance).”