This is a question we would like to no longer ask: will Covid-19 spoil the end of year celebrations? The virus continues to spread among the population, particularly among those aged 65 and over. An increase in cases which is explained in particular by the presence of a new variant, JN.1. A variant which “is taking all the advantage today”, underlines Antoine Flahault, epidemiologist and professor at the faculty of medicine at the University of Geneva.
What are the latest figures regarding the circulation of Covid-19? What is the vaccination rate? So what is this new variant? 20 minutes make the point.
Virus circulation figures
The circulation of Covid-19 in France is described as “active” by Public Health France, which observed a sharp increase (+24%) in the detection of the virus in wastewater from November 27 to December 3.
Between these two dates, 4,353 people went to the emergency room for suspected Covid-19, an increase of 1.2% compared to the previous week. In total, 1,824 people were hospitalized for suspected coronavirus after going to the emergency room. This represents 2.7% of all hospitalizations (compared to 2.2% the previous week). Among the hospitalizations in intensive care after going to the emergency room, 29 were for a coronavirus infection.
A trend also on the rise in community medicine. Among the patients seen by SOS Médecin, nearly 4,020 people are suspected of having had Covid-19, particularly among those aged 65 and over. This represents 6.4% of SOS Médecin actions (compared to 4.7% the previous week).
The new variant
His nickname: JN.1. “Even if it is significantly different from the old variants on a genetic level, its symptoms are quite similar,” assures the epidemiologist. Namely fever sometimes high, significant fatigue, cough, loss of taste and smell, respiratory signs without insufficiency. “Nothing new” therefore, believes the epidemiologist.
So should we fear this new kid? “With this variant, as with the other Omicron variants, serious forms of acute respiratory distress syndrome have become extremely rare among vaccinated and exposed people,” specifies the epidemiologist. Before qualifying: “this can still happen in those with very poor immunity. » Don’t panic too much, then.
But this new variant “is spreading like wildfire, particularly in Ile-de-France where it has become the majority”. According to the professor, JN.1 would escape immunity more than its predecessors with regard to transmission. “Immunity does not seem sufficient to prevent its very rapid spread across European territory. » This new variant spreading very quickly, “there is a risk of tension in the health system”, according to the professor, especially if this wave of Covid-19 combines with that of flu which has already started.
The vaccination rate
The new vaccination campaign against Covid-19 began on October 2. It concerns people over 64, those at risk of serious illness, immunocompromised people, as well as pregnant women and residents of nursing homes. Relatives or regular contacts of immunocompromised people are also affected. Two months later, where are we?
As of December 3, 3,456,197 people aged 65 and over had received a new dose, representing an autumn vaccination coverage of 23.9%, according to the latest figures from Public Health France. In more detail: 17.5% of 65-69 year olds received this last dose, 22% of 70-74 year olds, 28.4% of 75-79 year olds and 28.7% of 80 year olds and over.
As for health professionals, 7.8% of those working in nursing homes followed the fall 2023 campaign, 9.1% for the liberals and 9.7% for those working in health establishments. Since October 17, among people aged 65 and over vaccinated, 33.5% have received a double Covid/flu dose.