According to the latest bulletin from Public Health France, dated Thursday December 26, the seasonal flu epidemic has spread throughout France. This year, the vaccination rate against the virus is particularly low, indicates France Bleu.
This year again, the flu has spread like wildfire, in any case what Public Health France indicates in its latest acute respiratory infections report on Thursday, December 26. “Strong increase in all flu indicators in the city and in hospitals, in all age groups. All regions in epidemic in France. Pre-epidemic in Martinique”underlines the National Public Health Agency.
During the penultimate week of the year, hospitalizations linked to all respiratory infections were “clearly increasing in community medicine and hospitals”particularly affecting people aged 65 and over, as well as children aged 5 and under, it is detailed. In the specific case of the flu, “children under 15 were the most affected in town and in hospital, but a marked increase in visits to emergency rooms and hospitalizations among people aged 65 and over was observed”underlined Public Health France.
“Too late” for the vaccine this year
According to Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF) and Liberal Health Workers (LBS), this sharp increase in contamination is due in particular to a very low vaccination rate this year, while the vaccination campaign against flu started on October 15, 2024. While protection takes effect 15 days after vaccination, it is estimated that it is already “too late” for those who are going to celebrate the New Year. “For next year, we must remember that vaccination is really necessary”he insisted on franceinfo.
For this year, therefore, all that remains is to respect the now famous barrier gestures, such as frequent hand washing, regular ventilation of rooms as well as “wearing a mask in the event of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people”recalls Public Health France.
published on December 27 at 9:55 p.m.,
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