The resumption of Covid-19 cases has been noticeable in France for several weeks. However, it would not be significant enough to bring forward the launch of the vaccination campaign scheduled for mid-October. This Tuesday, October 7, Caroline Semaille, Director General of Public Health France, provided a reassuring update on fall-winter respiratory epidemics such as flu, Covid and bronchiolitis: “There is nothing abnormal, we are rather lower than what we observed at the same time last year“. The message is clear: avoid any panic in the face of the rise in the number of cases.
Covid 19: a surprising shortage of screening tests
However, it seems that the population remains worried about the virus. This is evidenced by the shortage of screening tests, observed in many pharmacies.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, recalls that today, the practice of systematic self-tests to detect Covid is increasingly criticized.
According to him, “their reliability is not optimal, with a sensitivity of around 70%, which generates many false negatives“.
Beyond the uncertain results, it is their real usefulness that raises questions. “The interest is limited because the action to be taken is the same whatever the nature of the infection: isolation, paracetamol…”he explains.
In other words, whether a test is positive or not, caution is still required as soon as symptoms appear.
Testing remains important for vulnerable people
The doctor nevertheless reminds that certain categories must continue to be tested.
“It is essential, especially for vulnerable people (elderly, immunocompromised, pregnant women, with comorbidities), to know if it is a Covid infection, because this can condition the care and application of specific measures to reduce the risk of serious complications”.
These people will benefit from special care if the test is positive.
“People at risk of serious forms benefit from close medical monitoring, priority access to vaccination (biannual booster to be adapted to current variants), and can receive antiviral treatments earlier.
Dr. Kierzek also recommends vaccinating loved ones to limit transmission of the virus.
Isolation, precautions and barrier gestures still relevant
In the event of a positive test, the doctor’s message remains clear. “Isolation measures remain recommended for anyone testing positive for Covid, especially in the presence of vulnerable people at home or at work“.
He specifies that it is preferable to “self-isolate for at least five days after the onset of symptoms, or until they disappear, depending on the severity and medical situation.”
As for hygiene rules, they remain unchanged. “Regular ventilation of rooms, frequent hand washing, wearing a mask in the presence of symptoms or people at risk, as soon as you cough, have a runny nose, or in case of fever.
Dr. Kierzek finally advises to “avoid close contact with vulnerable people during the contagious period” and maintain a “annual or biannual vaccination, according to instructions for target groups“.