Where is the Covid? While a new variant of the Omicron family, BA.2.86, has been placed “under surveillance” by the WHO after being detected in Denmark, Israel and the United States, due to mutations in the Spike protein that it presents, in France, it is the EG 5.1 variant, resulting from the XBB.1.5 branch, nicknamed Eris, which becomes the majority.

An epidemic resurgence was thus recorded this summer, the latest information bulletin from Public Health France, dated August 16, reporting that hospital visits for suspected Covid-19 were on the increase in all classes of age.

But the situation nevertheless remains under control, say health authorities: Eris seems susceptible to new vaccines developed by Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax – the first two with messenger RNA, the third with recombinant particles – which will be available for the vaccination campaign of fall, from mid-October. The possibility of a return to wearing a mandatory mask does not seem relevant either.

Both variants, however, remain monitored by the WHO – alongside dozens of others – due to their number of mutations, which make them more likely to spread.

“It is normal for the virus to circulate by mutating regularly, thus situates epidemiologist Catherine Hill. These mutations occur randomly, and from time to time, one may stumble upon more contagious forms gaining ground. We must therefore remain vigilant and monitor them. »

But according to general practitioner Judith Loeb Mansour, there is currently no reason to worry too much. “I had a lot of cases of Covid in consultation two weeks ago, she explains to Point, but it’s calming down. We are more on an epidemic wavelet than on a new wave, it is not panic. »

For the doctor, it is above all necessary to maintain good reflexes in the face of Covid and other diseases, to avoid a further spread of the epidemic. “You have to be smart,” says Judith Loeb Mansour. When you are sick, you wear a mask, and you avoid closed and crowded places, such as cinemas or shopping malls. Fragile people and their loved ones should also wear the mask when exposed to crowds. Covid or not, it remains a good habit in the face of viruses. »

You should also not leave the hydroalcoholic gel in the closet, or at least continue to wash your hands regularly with soap. Just like keeping your distance from others when you have symptoms, and avoiding kissing five people when you arrive at work.

The new vaccination campaign, which should begin in the fall, will target people over 65 and frail people. A protocol ultimately close to that deployed for several years against the flu, which killed roughly the same number of people as the Covid last winter. The two vaccines can also be administered at the same time.

A necessity, because “the elderly and very elderly population is not fully vaccinated, or has not been for a long time, details Catherine Hill. This is a problem in nursing homes for example. Maybe we should even move the campaign forward. Since Omicron, being vaccinated makes it possible to avoid serious forms of Covid, but does not prevent the virus from circulating, hence the need to continue to vaccinate the most fragile. The large part of the population is already quite well protected, and can catch up with the virus without it being serious. »

No need to panic, therefore, but vigilance and prevention. Judith Loeb Mansour therefore recommends not to hesitate to consult.

“Prevention should not be overlooked,” she says. With Covid, a lot of people gave it up: people were testing themselves and going to lock themselves in their homes. However, many visits to the emergency room can be avoided with early follow-up in city medicine. You have to continue to go to the doctor regularly, to take stock of your health when you are well and to consult when you have symptoms. You really shouldn’t hesitate. »