The Simultaneous Circulation of Respiratory Viruses

In winter, many viruses are present. Respiratory viruses cause colds, nasopharyngitis, seasonal flu, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis in children. Since 2020, the pandemic dynamics of COVID-19 have impacted the epidemiology of the various viruses responsible for winter illnesses.

In recent weeks, the continued early rise in flu cases and the very high number of bronchiolitis cases have compounded the active circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus throughout the country. All metropolitan regions are now in the epidemic phase.

The concurrent circulation of respiratory viruses is concerning because it can have a significant clinical impact on healthcare systems, particularly on hospitals. This situation is quite atypical compared to previous years, which were typically marked by the succession of different respiratory viruses.

In this context, Santé publique France is stepping up epidemiological surveillance and reminding the public of the preventive measures to be taken.

How can you reduce the risk of infection?

The viruses that cause bronchiolitis, the flu, and COVID-19 are spread through droplets (emitted when people with respiratory viruses cough, sneeze, or speak) or through direct contact with an infected person’s hands or with an object touched by a sick person.

As the holidays and end-of-year celebrations approach—with gatherings that facilitate the spread of these viruses—Santé publique France reminds the public of the simple preventive measures to adopt:

• wear a mask in the presence of vulnerable people, or in crowded indoor spaces such as public transportation;

• greet one another without shaking hands or kissing;

• wash your hands frequently;

• ventilate rooms;

• cough and sneeze into your elbow.

Hygiene measures to prevent bronchiolitis

• Wash your hands before approaching an infant. This should take 30 seconds, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if washing your hands is not possible.

• Avoid, whenever possible, taking your child to crowded public places (public transportation, shopping malls, etc.), where they might come into contact with people who have colds.

• Do not share unwashed bottles, pacifiers, or utensils.

• Ventilate the room by opening the windows for at least 10 minutes a day.

• Do not smoke near babies and children.

• Regularly clean objects that the infant comes into contact with (toys, pacifiers, etc.).

Enhanced surveillance during the winter season

As part of its surveillance, monitoring, and alert missions regarding seasonal epidemics, Santé publique France analyzes surveillance data on COVID-19 and winter viruses from its partner networks.
Surveillance of winter epidemics begins in October and ends in mid-April of the following year in metropolitan France. It enables, in particular, the detection of the onset of the epidemic, the monitoring of its progression, and the estimation of its impact on the community and healthcare systems.

The analysis of this data is published weekly in national epidemiological bulletins and regional epidemiological reports.

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