All of France is in an epidemic phase and it’s not over. The flu epidemic is intensifying in “all age groups” and reached a “very high level among those under 15”noted Santé Publique France in its latest point, published last week.
Proof that the epidemic spread, between October 28 and December 31, flu-like illnesses jumped from nearly 4% to nearly 20%. On average in France, flu or any other flu-like syndrome represented nearly 20% of SOS Médecins actions over the last week of the year.
Notably, it was children under 15 who were most affected by the epidemic during the last week of the year and hospitalizations of people over 65 increased sharply. In France, they have almost doubled in one week.
Figures down very slightly on the Côte d’Azur, but hospitalizations on the rise
In the Alpes-Maritimes, the figures are not very good. On the side of SOS Médecins, out of 10,000 medical procedures for influenza, 1,443 concerned those under 15 years old. And out of 10,000 medical procedures for flu, 813 concerned people aged 65 and over.
We also note that out of 10,000 visits to the emergency room, among those over 65, more than half of these people were hospitalized for flu, after a visit to the emergency room. Those under 15 represent, for their part, 1,596 for 10,000 passages.
Compared to the five previous epidemics, the intensity level at the hospital went from “moderate” to “high” this week all ages combined and at a very high level among those under 15.
Flu clusters in medical and social establishments are also on the rise. Just like the share of deaths with a mention of flu.
Vaccination is recommended
“Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against influenza and Covid-19, particularly severe forms of these diseases”recalls Public Health France.
It is recommended “to all eligible persons, in order to protect them and those around them”in particular people aged 65 and over or those who are immunocompromised, infants over 6 months old with comorbidities, pregnant women, residents of medico-social establishments of all ages.
She is too for people in regular contact with immunocompromised or vulnerable people to severe forms of infection, including healthcare professionals.
In addition, reminds the health agency, the adoption of barrier gestures remains essential to protect oneself from all winter diseases: washing hands, ventilating rooms and wearing a mask in the event of symptoms (fever, illness throat or cough), in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people.
