Seasonal flu continues its rise in all regions of France. In its latest weekly epidemiological bulletin, Public health France indicates that mid-January was marked by the circulation of influenza viruses remaining “at a high level, despite a decrease in positivity rates in the city and in the hospital”. In hospital, emergency indicators were increasing only among 0-4 year olds, but this development “could also be observed in other age groups in the weeks to come”, according to the agency.
The most spared areas, such as Brittany and Normandy, in the pre-epidemic phase last week, are also now fully affected by the flu epidemic. In this context, in addition to insisting on the vaccination of people most at risk against influenza and Covid-19, Public Health France reiterated its call to respect “the wearing of a mask in the event of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people, hand washing and regular ventilation of enclosed spaces.
Avoid overcrowding in emergencies
It is in this context of high circulation of influenza but also of Covid-19 and bronchiolitis that the health authorities announced the extension of the vaccination campaign until February 29. As a reminder, it is the people most at risk who should benefit first from vaccination, or the relatives of people at risk. Among them, people aged 65 and over or suffering from heart, respiratory or liver disease, obesity as well as pregnant women. “Vaccination is recommended to protect people at risk of developing a serious form of influenza, who are also those at risk of serious infection with Covid-19,” recalls Health Insurance, which covers vaccination. Healthcare professionals and any professional in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk of severe influenza are also required to be vaccinated.
The significant circulation of the virus caused numerous visits to emergency rooms, which increased by 61% during the week of January 15 to 21. According to estimates from the Ministry of Health, vaccination would prevent around 2,000 deaths among people aged 65 and over. Between 2 and 6 million people are affected by this winter disease each year. The flu is a contagious disease, which can cause complications (pneumonia, worsening of a chronic illness, etc.). Every year, the flu is responsible for hospitalizations and even deaths. The year 2023, particularly trying in terms of respiratory infections, also saw an extension of vaccination against seasonal flu by one month.