Fall is setting in with an early and intense resurgence of a host of viral illnesses. The resumption of social life, the relaxation of preventive measures, and the circulation of the bronchiolitis virus—and possibly soon the flu virus—raise concerns about more severe seasonal outbreaks this year. Furthermore, since these viruses circulated very little or not at all last year, the population’s natural immune defenses are weaker this year.

For example, children born after March 2020, having not been exposed to the bronchiolitis virus—which was scarce last year—have not been able to develop natural defenses against bronchiolitis.

Because adopting preventive measures is an effective way to combat virus transmission, the French National Health Insurance, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, and Santé Publique France are relaunching an information and communication campaign to remind the public of the importance of “preventive measures” against COVID-19, the flu, and other winter viruses.

After two years of communication focused primarily on reminding the public about and educating them on these measures during the Covid-19 pandemic, the goal of this campaign is to re-engage as many people as possible and embed preventive measures into our daily lives. This is a significant challenge, given that the public has already been heavily reminded about these measures and a sense of fatigue is becoming widespread.

Winter viruses are making a strong comeback

Bronchiolitis, nasopharyngitis, strep throat, gastroenteritis… These viruses, once forgotten, have been resurfacing since early September due to a decline in acquired herd immunity—which also applies to children born after 2020—and a relaxation of preventive measures. Because of this decline in immunity, “outbreaks could be more severe this year,” explains Santé publique France. Together with the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS), they emphasize that the lack of natural immunity acquired in 2020–2021 could increase the risk of influenza virus transmission, particularly among those most at risk.

According to the latest bronchiolitis surveillance bulletin,¹ there was a 33% increase in emergency room visits for this condition among children under 2 years of age in week 41, along with a 24% increase in hospitalizations following emergency room visits. This level of emergency room visits is higher than in the previous three years. In the epidemiological update for the week of October 18, 11 regions were already in the epidemic phase. In addition, an increase in emergency department visits was also observed for bronchitis (+15%, or +262 visits across all ages), influenza/flu-like illness in adults (+31%, or +50 visits), pneumonia, and ENT conditions in children (+25% and +13%, respectively, or +118 and +1,566 visits)². There has also been an increase in emergency room visits for conjunctivitis (+10%, or +51 visits) among those aged 15–74. Gastroenteritis is also on the rise.

Adopting preventive measures is an effective way to combat the transmission of all these viruses, including the flu and COVID-19³.

A relaxation of safety measures has been observed

What about the long-term adoption of best practices for preventive measures?

These simple preventive measures are effective in protecting our health and that of those around us by limiting the transmission of infectious agents. And yet… In the CoviPrev survey by Santé Publique France,⁶ in which 2,000 French people are interviewed each month, adherence to preventive measures against COVID-19 showed, as of late September, a continued decline in compliance observed since the end of the last lockdown.

The consistent wearing of masks in enclosed public spaces has declined compared to May (65% vs. 82%).

The consistent practice of handwashing continues to decline; it stood at 59% in early September and was significantly lower than the 63% observed in May.

59% of respondents say they consistently greet others without shaking hands and avoid hugging, whereas in May, 72% did so.

Among all these preventive measures, even as outdoor temperatures cool, it’s important not to forget to ventilate the rooms in your home, office, or car. This practice seems to be gradually becoming a habit. In the same survey, 45% of respondents reported systematically ventilating their homes for a few minutes every hour, an increase of 6 percentage points compared to May.

Only 53% of French people consistently cover their mouths with their arm when they cough or sneeze, according to a recent Ifop survey.