The flu epidemic is at a very high level in metropolitan France. All age groups are affected. Doctors are sounding the alarm.
Flu alert. Three days before Christmas and family reunions, the latest figures from Public Health France are not good. The epidemic is in full swing. Health authorities note “the continued increase in flu indicators” and a “very sharp increase in hospitalizations”. All age groups are affected.
No region is spared. The flu is raging in all regions of metropolitan France, a week after the transition to the epidemic phase. Occitania and New Aquitaine are also affected.
All of France is in the epidemic phase for the flu.
Between December 12 and 18, hospitalizations for flu-like illness after a visit to the emergency room increased by 118% compared to the previous week. Nearly a quarter of the medical acts of SOS Médecins concerned the flu. “Emergencies are saturated everywhere, it’s overflowing everywhere”, testified on BFM TV the head of the nephrology-paediatrics department at the Necker hospital in Paris Rémi Salomon. “The worst is ahead of us”.
Vaccine and barrier gestures
To limit the spread of the flu, the barrier gestures identical to Covid-19 are essential: ventilation of the premises, washing of hands, wearing of masks, in particular in closed places. The flu vaccine is also essential even if it is too late to be protected for the family Christmas celebrations. The vaccine is particularly recommended, without delay, for the elderly, people with a chronic illness and pregnant women.
Already 6 dead in France
In mainland France, since the start of surveillance this fall, 94 serious cases of influenza have been admitted to intensive care: 36 were aged 15 to 64, 40 were 65 or older. The flu has already killed six people in France: two children aged 5 to 14 and four people over 65.
The flu vaccine
Vaccination against influenza is recommended as a priority for the most vulnerable people and for health professionals. The people concerned have received a letter from the CPAM with a 100% vaccine reimbursement voucher. If you did not receive a voucher, you can buy the flu shot at the pharmacy. It is then not supported by health insurance, indicates Ameli’s website.