Weekly COVID-19 Hospitalizations in France Surge by 35% Amidst Rising Infections
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 01, 2024 5 months, 2 weeks, 6 days, 10 hours, 15 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: France has seen a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout May as the new KP variants becomes the dominant strain globally.
Weekly COVID-19 Hospitalizations in France Surge by 35%
The latest figures from Santé publique France (SPF), released on May 28, indicate a sharp rise in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. From May 20-26, emergency admissions and hospitalizations for suspected COVID-19 continued to rise for the sixth consecutive week, with 575 cases compared to 427 the previous week. This represents an increase of 35% across all age groups, although the levels remain lower than in previous years.
https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/surveillance-syndromique-sursaud-R/documents/bulletin-national/2024/bulletin-national-d-information-oscour-du-28-mai-2024
The Emergence of the KP Variants
The new variants, scientifically named KP.1, KP.1.1 and KP.2 and nicknamed ‘FLiRT,’ is now prevalent worldwide, particularly in the United States and Australia. This strain emerged from the JN.1 subvariant. The name ‘FLiRT’ is derived from the variants' spike protein or amino acid mutations. “Each amino acid has its own letter abbreviation. FLiRT is F456L + R346T, or phenylalanine (F) to leucine (L) at position 456 and arginine (R) to threonine (T) at position 346.”
Symptom Watch
Despite many individuals, particularly younger people, being asymptomatic, public health officials warn the population to remain vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms. Common symptoms of all variants include:
-Fever
-Dry cough
-Fatigue
-Loss of smell and/or taste
-Runny nose
-Sore throat
-Headache
-Feeling of pressure in the lungs/chest
-Breathing difficulties in severe cases
-Diarrhea
Vulnerable populations, including the very young, elderly, pregnant women, those with long-term conditions, or the immunocompromised, are advised to consult a doctor if symptoms arise. In emergencies, such as severe breathing difficulties, individuals are urged to call for aid. Those exhibiting symptoms are also reminded to practice physical distancing, avoid contact with vulnerable individuals, wash hands regularly, and wear masks in enclosed spaces.
French Pharmacists Strike Amid Rising COVID-19 Cases.
In a related health sector development, pharmacists across France staged their first major strike in a decade on Thursday to highlight drug shortages, forced closures, and potential restrictions on online sales. They are also demanding higher pay. The strike has unified representatives of the profession, including unions, pharmacist groups, and students.
Local
COVID-19 News
strong> coverages are highlight that the closures of pharmacies amid the rising COVID-19 infections is affecting many locals as they are unable to procure COVID-19 Test kits and also basic medications.
Philippe Besset, president of the French Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions (FSPF), expressed concerns about the economic weakening of pharmacies, particularly in rural areas and some cities. “The main concern is the disappearance of pharmacies,” Besset told media, noting that France has lost nearly 2,000 pharmacies over the past decade, leaving around 20,000 in operation nationwide.
Unions predict that around 90 percent of pharmacies will close their doors, with figures rising to 100 percent in several provincial cities such as Ajaccio, Nice, Avignon, Mâcon, and Roanne. Only pharmacies providing mandatory pharmaceutical services will remain open. Many pharmacies have informed customers of the strike through emails, screens, or posters in their windows.
Representatives are scheduled to meet with health insurance officials on June 5 for what has been described as a “conclusive meeting.” This strike underscores the critical role pharmacies play, especially as the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges posed by the new KP variants.
Conclusion
As France faces a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations due to the new KP variants, the health sector is simultaneously dealing with significant challenges, including drug shortages and economic pressures on pharmacies. Public health officials continue to emphasize the importance of vigilance, vaccination, and adherence to health guidelines to combat the spread of the virus.
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