Martinique is dealing with a flu outbreak

The influenza virus has been rapidly spreading over the last seven days. Martinique is now experiencing an influenza outbreak. 

The removal of restriction measures, as well as loosening border restrictions, has led to the return of COVID-19 as well as the flu. The Martiniquearea was categorized in the pre-epidemic phase with respect to the influenza virus transmission by the ARS last week. 

The weekly bulletin is now referring to it as a pandemic. The number of consultations for flu syndrome conducted by general practitioners on the island increased a lot due to the high number of cases. However, there was a decrease in pediatric emergencies. In S21, there were three trips to pediatric emergency rooms for flu symptoms. 

The previous week, there had been six patients with flu-related symptoms. No hospitalization has occurred during any of the visits, according to Public Health France. In week S51 of the year 2021, the hospital found the first influenza virus of the season. 

The CHUM was isolating positive samples at a rate of 2 to 3 per week in February 2022. At the end of April, the positivity rate (the number of positive cases divided by the number of samples) was 36%. It was 15% and 26% for the first fifteen days of May, respectively. There has been a decrease in the last two weeks. a positivity rate of 11 percent and 7%.

Prevention

According to Public Health France, vaccination is the most effective way to avoid the flu. It's also a good idea to use barrier motions. 

When you have the flu, it is also a good idea to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a hydro-alcoholic solution, cough or sneeze into your elbow, use a single-use handkerchief, and use a disposable mask, especially if you are in touch with vulnerable people.