The flu is increasing with indicators rising sharply throughout France.
- The flu epidemic continues in France.
- A sharp increase was recorded in all health indicators: number of cases, consultation in town, visits to emergency, etc.
- The vaccination campaign has been extended until February 29, 2024.
The flu epidemic does not yet appear to have reached its peak. THE last weekly report on acute respiratory infections from Santé Publique France reveals that a “strong increase in all indicators” was recorded during the week of January 22 to 28, 2024.
Flu : the epidemic isintensifies
“The flu epidemic is intensifying in France. All indicators were up sharply in community medicine and hospitals in all classes age and particularly hospitalizations after going to the emergency room among 15-64 year olds”writes the institution in its report. All metropolitan and overseas regions are on epidemic alert, with the exception of Réunion and Mayotte where the number of cases of flu symptoms is very low.
During the 4e week of 2024, the rate of consultations in the city was 358 per 100,000 inhabitants compared to 246 For 100,000 inhabitants the previous week. The share of SOS Médecins activity for influenza increased by 2.3 points to reach 17.9%. Hospital indicators are also on the rise: +46% for the number of visits to the emergency room for flu/flu-like illness and +41% for hospitalizations after visits to the emergency room.
Flu : a vaccination campaign until February 29
Between a strong circulation of virus and an epidemic peak has not been exceeded, the health authorities have decided to extend the flu vaccination campaign for an additional month. It is therefore offered until February 29, 2024.
In fact, the flu vaccine is mon of the most effective means to fight the disease, especially for people at risk. However, vaccination coverage for this population remains quite low. It was estimated at 38% as of November 30, 2023, with 42.8% among those aged 65 and over and 20.9% among those under 65 at risk of severe flu. “These vaccination coverages are lower than those estimated for the 2022-2023 season on the same date (39.9% for all people at risk targeted by vaccination, with 43.8% among those aged 65 and over and 23.1% among those under 65 at risk of severe influenza)“notes the organization.
As a reminder, people particularly exposed to the risk of serious complications from the flu can obtain doses free of charge at the pharmacy, upon presentation of the Vitale card and the Health Insurance voucher. It’s about :
- of the seniors aged 65 and over;
- of the individuals under the age of 65 suffering from certain chronic illnesses;
- of the pregnant women ;
- of the people suffering from obesity: body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40;
- of thethe entourage of infants at risk of serious influenza and immunocompromised people, with the aim of protecting the fragile people around them;
- of the home help for vulnerable individual employers benefiting from exemptions;
- of the professionals exposed to avian and swine influenza viruses.
