In Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it had never been so hot. This Thursday, the mercury reached 41.9 ° C in this coastal town in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, smashing the record for the 2003 heatwave, "only" 40.2 ° C. Nantes stood out with 36 ° C, Lyon 37 ° C, Bordeaux 38 ° C. This Friday, this heat bubble will fade in the West but swell in the South-East where Météo France placed more than 13 departments on Thursday afternoon on heatwave orange vigilance.
If the French are starting to get used to the thermometer soaring, this time they will have to endure it not with a fan, but with a mask. Especially since according to the latest report from the Directorate General of Health, there were twelve new clusters Thursday evening. Another cause for concern, the incidence rate of the epidemic is now 10.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. In increase of 78%, it exceeds the threshold of vigilance at the national level. Here are some ways to respect - at the same time - barrier gestures and recommendations against hot weather.
How to make the mask more bearable?
Breathing difficulties, irritation, itching ... To limit this discomfort, it is better to wear a light colored one, which absorbs less heat and light. The material is also important: opt for disposable masks rather than fabric, they allow you to breathe better.
In confined spaces, public transport and for outdoor work, keep it on your face despite the heat. Note that, since a decree of July 17, people with disabilities are not required to wear it on presentation of a medical certificate. "The interministerial delegation for autism-neurodevelopmental disorders has passed a form to the Ministry of the Interior to sensitize the police on this issue", informs us the secretariat in charge of people with disabilities.
What if I sweat?
With the rise in mercury, so is the risk. “Beyond the discomfort, the mask will get wet, which will promote evaporation of the virus when one is infected,” warns Benjamin Davido, infectious disease specialist at Raymond-Poincaré hospital in Garches. It thus loses its effectiveness. During hot weather, it must therefore be changed more frequently. And especially not "humidify it even if it can provide a feeling of refreshment," says the Directorate General of Health. Especially since temperatures above 25 ° C do not prevent contracting Covid-19, recalls the World Health Organization.
Sun and hydroalcoholic gel: bad idea?
The use of a hydroalcoholic solution can be ineffective, even dangerous. Several dermatologists warn: high temperatures associated with the gel, composed of 70% alcohol, could cause burns. Hyperpigmentation of the skin is also possible. Instead, wash your hands with soap and cold water.
How to cool off?
Don't wait until you're thirsty. It is very important to drink regularly between 1.5 and 2 liters per day unless there is a medical contraindication. Avoid alcohol which promotes dehydration. Another recommendation: the elderly, pregnant women and young children should stay at home as much as possible, with the shutters closed during the day. "Patients are told to limit their efforts, to hydrate themselves and to continue their treatment", insists Professor Chantal Raherison, president of the French society of pneumology.
Do you have to use fans / air conditioners?
We contaminate ourselves mainly by droplets. But, according to the World Health Organization, “evidence is emerging” of airborne transmission. According to the High Committee of Public Health, it is possible to use a ventilator, in periods of high heat, as long as you are alone in a room to avoid the spread of the coronavirus.
It must be stopped before the arrival of another individual, even wearing a mask. For air conditioning, look for a high-performance filter or change it regularly. "It all depends on the situation, the number of people, and whether they wear a mask," says Margot Bayart, vice-president of the union of general practitioners MG France.
Can we see an increase in discomfort?
So far, calls to 15 have not increased. “This is also rarely the case the first days, says François Braun, president of Samu-Urgences de France. We will be attentive to these signals this weekend. "But beware, warns infectious disease specialist Benjamin Davido," if elderly people or people suffering from respiratory failure wear it outdoors, they risk finding themselves embarrassed and feeling unwell, "he said, specifying that he did not There is no proof of its effectiveness in the open air when the barrier gestures can be respected. “It would even be counterproductive. "