With his name coming out of a horror tale, the new variant of coronavirus which is right now in France is enough to be talked about. But does it really prove to be monstrous?
Increased cases in recent weeks
What is certain is that, as at each return, the country observes a real increase in coronavirus cases. Back to school 2025 was no exception to the rule: in its bulletin dealing with the period from September 15 to 21, Public Health France indicates a 37 % increase in the number of emergency passes and hospitalizations for a suspicion of infection in COVVI-19. The virus incidence rate increased from 38 cases per 100,000 inhabitants from September 8 to 14 to 49 cases for the week from September 15 to 21, according to the Sentinel network.
The culprit? A new variant named “XFG”, but commonly called “Frankenstein” because of its hybridization of several strains of the virus. Not necessarily more serious in itself. But according to WHO, “The XFG is experiencing rapid growth compared to co-circulating variants worldwide. “
Symptoms similar to other variants
On the symptom side, nothing new with this variant. “Symptoms remain generally similar to those of recent omicron variants. They are often difficult to distinguish from a large cold or flu” says Dr. Gérald Kierzek for us.
The most common symptoms currently are:
- Sore throat (often the first symptom and very frequent);
- Flowing or blocked nose;
- Cough (usually dry);
- Significant fatigue;
- Headache;
- Sneezing;
- Muscle pain or aches.
Other signs can also rage in some patients. It is a fever or feeling of fever, a loss of taste or smell (which becomes rarer), shortness of breath (more frequent in fragile people) or even digestive problems (nausea, diarrhea)
“The vast majority of infections are benign and resolve themselves in a few days with rest.”
Should we worry about the Frankenstein variant?
So does the variant Frankenstein promise us darker bears than his cousins? For Dr. Kierzek, no. We must remain vigilant, without giving in to excessive concern. “The circulation of the SARS-COV-2 virus actually experiences an upsurge as with all the viruses (fall, cooling, etc.), a phenomenon now expected and similar to what is observed with other respiratory viruses” he establishes.
The level of alert, for example, is not reached. “” “There is an increase in contamination, but nothing comparable to the previous waves of the pandemic. The hospital system is currently not under high tension; At most as saturated as usual but for structural reasons … “. The emergence of new (subvariant) virus (sub-variants), which are more contagious and partially manage to circumvent acquired immunity (by previous vaccination or infection) is known today.
Finally, the situation is closely monitored by the health authorities, but it does not justify restrictive measures.
“The objective is now to manage the COVVI-19 as an endemic respiratory disease, with seasonal peaks”
Fragile populations should be vaccinated
Should we protect ourselves from this newcomer? Currently, the current vaccination strategy is mainly focused on protecting the people most at risk of making serious forms. The vaccination campaign will start on October 14. The populations for which a vaccination recall is highly recommended are:
- People aged 65 and over;
- Immunocompromised people (whatever their age);
- People with comorbidities (chronic diseases) that make them vulnerable (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes (type 1 and 2) chronic respiratory diseases (severe asthma, COPD …), kidney failure, active cancer;
- Pregnant women (from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy);
- Residents in health establishments (EHPAD, USLD) and in long -term care units.
For the general public in good health and without risk factor, the recommendation of systematic recall is not maintained. The decision can be discussed on a case -by -case basis with your doctor, especially in the event of a travel or a particular situation.
Help, I am surrounded by the variant Frankenstein, what to do?
How to react so if you are faced with this new variant?
- If you have symptomsrespect barriers: wearing the mask in the presence of fragile people, hand washing, ventilation. And consult a doctor if the symptoms are severe or if you are part of an audience at risk.
- If you are a fragile person : Talk about vaccination with your attending physician. It is likely that a reminder be recommended in the fall, with a vaccine adapted to new variants. Maintain vigilance on barriers in very frequented places.
But for our expert, no need to try to test yourself at all costs. “”By stopping the tests we make both a good economy, and we avoid individual or collective panic. Positive or not at COVID, treatment is the same as with flu or other virus (mask, barriers, …) ” he concludes.