The flu epidemic is increasing further, with an impact on hospitalizations and deaths, but at a slower rate than in previous weeks, according to the weekly report from Public Health France.
Last week, “flu indicators were still on the rise in mainland France, although the increase was less marked compared to the previous four weeks”, indicates the public health agency.
The evolution of the epidemic varied according to the regions, rising in nine of them but stable in four others.
In community medicine, the rate of influenza-related consultations has increased further, but the proportion of flu-like illnesses among SOS Médecins consultations has remained stable.
However, the number of hospitalizations linked to the epidemic continued to rise (1,089, +17% over one week).
In addition, “the share of influenza-related deaths among all deaths from electronic certification was still on the rise” in the past week, “exceeding the level reached during the peak of the 2019-2020 influenza epidemic” , observed Public Health France.
These deaths mainly concerned people aged 65 or over (83%). However, a dozen deaths were recorded among people under 15 and nearly forty among people aged 15 to 64.
Usually, the peak of this epidemic caused by respiratory influenza viruses is reached around February.
The late resumption of influenza this year may be linked to lower herd immunity to this epidemic. In the winter of 2020-2021, the French were less infected than usual, because the anti-Covid containment measures blocked the circulation of many other viruses.
In addition, the intensification of recent weeks has most likely been favored by the easing of anti-Covid measures, in particular the lifting of the mandatory mask.
In this context, also marked by a persistent Covid epidemic, Public Health France reaffirms the importance of barrier gestures and vaccination.
Just over half (about 51.4%) of people at risk, those over 65 and vulnerable people, have been vaccinated against the flu, according to estimates.
What’s more, the flu vaccination started just over five months ago, raising questions about the level of protection now.
In addition, the 2021-2022 flu vaccine seems to be of low effectiveness against the A (H3N2) virus, which now largely dominates, according to preliminary data.