Guillaume Mouchotte: "Against the flu, we must get vaccinated as early as possible"

Vaccination against seasonal influenza therefore remains the best way to prevent the disease and its complications in fragile people. "From one year to the next, the influenza virus evolves by undergoing mutations and the immune system no longer recognizes it. That is why it is essential to get vaccinated every year. This year, we are seeing an increase in the number of patients wishing to immunize themselves against the virus. This is explained by their fear of not being able to receive proper treatment during the holiday period, notably due to the overcrowding of hospital emergency departments. Our patient base also knows that there are risks of complications such as pneumonia which could lead to hospitalization, and their concern is to avoid this. Furthermore, with the closure of the carré Villette, the decrease in the number of general practitioners, and there is a real difficulty in accessing care, which is why patients prefer to get vaccinated," explains the Var practitioner.

VULNERABLE

The doctor adds: "With age, the body defends itself less well against infections. That is why, from the age of 65, people become more vulnerable to the influenza virus. It can lead to serious complications for them (as well as for people with chronic illnesses or pregnant women): lung infection, worsening of diabetes, respiratory or heart failure. The peak period for the flu is around the holidays, when there is a lot of interaction within families. At the same time, the medical sector slows down, making it complicated for our patients." Thus, in 2024, nearly 30,000 hospitalizations were recorded in France after an emergency room visit for influenza or a flu-like illness. "The virus also affects people with an Affection Longue Durée (ALD) because they are more fragile when facing viruses, whether it is the flu or Covid-19. Yet, the flu vaccine reduces this risk of complications in these people. The main symptoms are a high fever, extreme fatigue, body aches, and headaches. A dry cough and a runny nose can also occur. By getting vaccinated, we protect ourselves, but we also protect those around us," adds Doctor Mouchotte.

BARRIER GESTURES

To limit the transmission of influenza viruses, but also Covid-19, the application of barrier gestures remains essential, recalls Guillaume Mouchotte: "We must wash our hands regularly with soap and water, or with a hydroalcoholic solution, cough or sneeze into our elbow, limit contact with fragile or sick people, and wear a mask when it is mandatory or recommended. However, when it comes to vaccination against Covid-19, patients are more reluctant. We have fewer requests in the clinic because since the health crisis, a doubt has settled in regarding the effectiveness of the vaccine. On the contrary, the flu vaccine does not face these reluctances." Moreover, the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) recommends that people at risk of developing a severe form of influenza should also get vaccinated against Covid-19. The vaccine is covered 100% by the Assurance maladie for the entire population.

Vaccination campaign in metropolitan France until January 31, 2026

• All people at risk of serious complications, and therefore eligible for flu vaccination, receive an invitation to get vaccinated and a voucher for coverage of the vaccine. Upon presentation of this voucher and the Carte Vitale, the vaccine can be collected free of charge from pharmacies. The vaccine injection is also covered 100% for pregnant women (from the 6th month of pregnancy and up to 12 days after delivery), patients with an affection de longue durée (ALD), those over 65 years of age, obese individuals with a BMI of 40, and contacts of infants at risk of severe flu and immunocompromised people. For people targeted by the recommendations who have not received the voucher, it can be issued by their healthcare professional.