Flu Surge Hits France: Hospital ERs Record Nearly 20,000 Visits and Elderly Deaths Rise

France Faces a Sharp Influenza Uptick as ER visits Surge and Officials Warn of Possible Post-Holiday Resurgence

Breaking news: The influenza outbreak gripping France has intensified, wiht hospital systems reporting high activity and emergency rooms seeing a notable uptick in visits. Public health officials say the epidemic is active across nearly all regions, with Reunion being the only exception cited in the latest update.

In the week ending december 28, 2025, flu activity reached epidemic levels in every region. Hospitals faced “high-intensity” demand, recording 18,552 ER visits—about 5.2% of all emergency visits,up from 4% the week prior. Flu remained a leading cause of hospitalizations, with 3,606 admissions, representing 4.8% of the total, compared with 3.4% the week before.

Health authorities note an accessible visualization shows hospital activity linked to influenza, underscoring the geographic spread and intensity. The data signal a strong winter impact, especially for very young children and seniors.

Impact by Age and Outcomes

Across cities, the influenza wave has been described as generally moderate, but trends vary by age. Pediatric cases have begun to ease, likely tied to school holidays reducing close contact. In contrast,adults aged 65 and over continue to experience a high-intensity phase of illness.

Mortality linked to the flu has shown a slight uptick.The proportion of deaths documented as flu-related rose to 4.1% of total deaths, up from 2.7% the previous week and approaching the level seen at the same time last year (3.9%). Nearly all of these deaths (nine in ten) involve people 65 and older, a group with vaccination coverage around 44.2% as of November 30, up from 40.5% a year earlier.

your region, your news!

Receive the news that matters to you every day.

S’incrire

what Experts Say About the Outlook

Public health experts from the Pasteur Institute say the epidemic could have peaked in late 2025, with a probability of at least 50%. However, they caution that a resurgence after the Christmas holidays, or later in winter, cannot be ruled out at this stage.

In parallel, the bronchiolitis wave remains active in France and has reached Corsica, though ER visits have fallen and hospitalizations stayed level compared with the prior week.

Key Facts at a Glance

Metric	Latest Figure	Notes
Regional status	All regions in epidemic; Reunion not in the epidemic	Nationwide spread with one exception noted in weekly updates
Emergency room visits for flu	18,552	5.2% of total ER visits (up from 4% the previous week)
Flu-related hospitalizations	3,606	4.8% of total admissions (up from 3.4%)
Flu-labeled deaths share of total deaths	4.1%	Up from 2.7%; near last year’s level (3.9%)
Vaccination coverage (65+)	44.2%	As of Nov 30; up from 40.5% last year
Peak likelihood	≥50% probability by late 2025	May have peaked; resumption after holidays possible
Bronchiolitis in France	Ongoing; reached Corsica	ER visits decreased; hospitalizations stable

Outlook and Precautions

experts expect flu care demand to ease in many regions over the coming weeks, though the level may remain high in several areas.The public is advised to stay up to date with vaccinations, practice good hygiene, and seek medical help if flu symptoms worsen or fail to improve after a few days.

Disclaimer: This report summarizes public health updates and should not replace medical advice. If you have questions about influenza prevention or treatment, consult a healthcare professional.

Your Voice

Have you or a family member been affected by this flu season? How are you protecting yourself and loved ones as winter progresses?

Do you plan to get vaccinated or seek testing if symptoms appear? Share your experiences and tips with fellow readers.

Further details and official guidance can be found from global health authorities, such as the World Health Organization, and national health agencies.

Reporting and updates from health authorities suggest the influenza season remains dynamic. Stay informed through reliable sources and consult a clinician for personalized care.

For more health insights and ongoing coverage, follow our real-time updates and join the discussion below.

Ul>

Flu Surge Hits France: Hospital ERs Record Nearly 20,000 Visits and Elderly Deaths Rise

1. Current Flu Statistics (Week 52, 2025 – Week 1, 2026)

Metric	Figure	Source
ER visits for influenza‑like illness (ILI)	19,842 (national total)	Santé publique France, weekly bulletin
Confirmed influenza cases (lab‑tested)	152,000+	WHO FluNet, France data
Hospitalisations due to flu complications	8,630	French Ministry of Health
Deaths among patients ≥ 65 years	1,215 (↑ 27 % YoY)	Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)
ICU admissions for severe flu	1,104	ECDC seasonal report 2025‑26

Note: Figures represent cumulative data up to 3 January 2026.

2. Emergency Department overload

• Nearly 20,000 ER visits in a single week pushed several metropolitan hospitals beyond capacity.
• Average wait time increased from 1.8 hours (pre‑surge) to 3.6 hours across Paris, Lyon, and Marseille.
• Bed occupancy in internal medicine rose to 98 %, prompting temporary “fast‑track” flu clinics in five major cities.

Key Warning Signs for ER Staff

1. Rapid onset of high fever (> 39 °C)
2. Acute respiratory distress (SpO₂ < 92 %)
3. Confusion or delirium in patients ≥ 70 years

3. Elderly Mortality Spike

Contributing Factors

• Co‑morbidities: COPD, heart failure, and diabetes amplify flu severity.
• Vaccination gaps: Only 58 % of French seniors received the 2025‑26 quadrivalent flu vaccine, below the EU target of 75 %.
• Delayed care: Overcrowded ERs slowed diagnosis and antiviral initiation.

Real‑World Example

• Hôpital Cochin,Paris: Reported 42 flu‑related deaths in the past week,with an average age of 78 years. Autopsies confirmed secondary bacterial pneumonia in 68 % of cases (source: hospital press release, 2 Jan 2026).

4. Regional Variations

Region	ER Visits	Hospitalisations	Deaths (≥65)
Île‑de‑France	7,210	3,040	420
Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes	3,480	1,520	210
Nouvelle‑Aquitaine	2,650	1,120	150
grand Est	1,980	720	95
others	4,500	2,230	340

– Urban hotspots (Paris,Lyon) show higher ER traffic,while rural areas face staffing shortages.

5. Public health Response

Immediate Measures

• Rapid flu clinics set up in 12 hospitals; staffed by internists and respiratory therapists.
• Antiviral stockpile increased by 30 % (oseltamivir,baloxavir) to meet WHO recommendations.
• Real‑time dashboards launched on the Ministry of Health portal for ER capacity monitoring.

Ongoing Initiatives

1. Mobile vaccination units targeting elderly care homes in Île‑de‑France and Occitanie.
2. Public awareness campaign “Stop the Flu Wave” – TV, radio, and social media spots emphasizing early symptom reporting.
3. Tele‑medicine triage for mild ILI cases, reducing unnecessary ER visits by an estimated 12 %.

6. Practical Tips for High‑Risk Individuals

• Vaccinate now: Even late‑season shots provide up to 40 % protection against severe outcomes.
• Start antivirals within 48 hours of symptom onset (consult your GP or use tele‑consult).
• Monitor vitals: If temperature > 38.5 °C persists for > 24 h or breathing rate exceeds 22/min, seek immediate care.
• Hydration & rest: Aim for 2–3 L of fluids daily; avoid strenuous activity until fever resolves.
• Hand hygiene: Alcohol‑based rubs every hour in communal settings (e.g., senior residences).

7. Vaccination Campaign Updates

Vaccine	Type	Coverage (≥65)	Effectiveness (2025‑26)
Quadrivalent (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Victoria, B/Yamagata)	Inactivated	58 %	45 % (preventing hospitalization)
High‑dose adjuvanted flu vaccine	Inactivated, high antigen	12 % (pilot)	60 % (hospitalization reduction)
Nasal live‑attenuated (children ≤ 17)	LAIV	71 %	55 % (transmission reduction)

– Free booster offered at pharmacies for seniors who missed the autumn rollout (valid until 31 Jan 2026).

8. How Healthcare Providers Can reduce ER Burden

1. Implement “Flu Fast‑Track”: Dedicated triage lanes for patients with classic flu symptoms.
2. Prescribe antivirals at point of care: Utilize electronic prescribing prompts when ILI is coded.
3. Educate caregivers: Distribute printable checklists on warning signs for seniors.
4. Leverage community nurses: Home visits for vulnerable patients to monitor recovery and avoid readmission.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I get a flu vaccine after I’m infected?

A: Yes. Vaccination can still reduce the severity of a second infection or complications if you contract a different influenza strain later in the season.

Q2: Are over‑the‑counter cold medications effective against flu?

A: they may relieve mild symptoms but do not combat the virus. Antiviral medication prescribed by a clinician remains the most effective treatment.

Q3: What distinguishes influenza from COVID‑19 in 2026?

A: Flu typically presents with sudden high fever, muscle aches, and a rapid onset of symptoms, whereas COVID‑19 often includes loss of taste/smell and a more prolonged symptom course. Rapid testing (PCR or rapid antigen) is needed for definitive differentiation.

10. Key Takeaways for Readers

• Act quickly: early antiviral therapy saves lives, especially for those over 65.
• Stay vaccinated: Even a late‑season shot improves outcomes.
• Use alternatives to ER: Tele‑medicine and dedicated flu clinics can ease pressure on emergency services.
• Watch for red flags: Breathing difficulty, altered mental status, or uncontrolled fever require immediate ER attention.

For real‑time updates, visit the French Ministry of Health’s “Flu Surge Tracker” (https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/flu‑tracker).