According to the latest data available from Public Health France [1], influenza activity was increasing in most regions at the end of December.
After Occitanie and Ile-de-France, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has gone into epidemic phase and Normandy and Burgundy-Franche-Comté in pre-epidemic phase in week 52. There is still time to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications. Vaccination against influenza remains the best protection, in addition to the application of barrier gestures which also makes it possible to limit the daily transmission of all respiratory viruses.
Influenza indicators on the rise
The consultation rate [2] for flu syndrome has increased significantly (66%) since the end of December, mainly carried by those under 5 years old but also increasing among 5-14 year olds and 15-64 year olds.
The share of hospitalizations for influenza or flu syndrome among all hospitalizations is also up by 15% compared to the last week of December. The proportion of those under 15 in these indicators remains high but is decreasing in favor of adults, particularly those 65 and over.
Since October 04, 2021, 53 serious cases of influenza have been reported, of which 25 cases concerned children under 15 (49%), a higher proportion than in previous seasons.
Vaccination and respect for barrier gestures remain the best ways to protect yourself from the flu.
Since the start of the vaccination campaign near 12 million people have been vaccinated against the flu.
The flu vaccination campaign is extended until February 28, 2022.
Vaccination is recommended for people at risk and healthcare professionals, and is the best way to protect yourself from the flu and its complications.
In addition, it is quite possible to administer the vaccines against Covid-19 and against seasonal influenza concomitantly. In this case, the vaccines are given at two different injection sites (eg one injection in each shoulder).
In order to fight effectively against the transmission of all viruses, including that of influenza, or that of Covid-19, it is necessary to be vaccinated and to continue to apply the barrier gestures.
For more information : Influenza epidemiological bulletin, week 52. 2021-2022 season.
[1] Influenza epidemiological bulletin, week 52. 2021-2022 season. (santepubliquefrance.fr)
[2] Data estimated from data from the Sentinels Network
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