Weekly mortality from influenza has exceeded that from Covid-19 for the first time since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, according to Public Health France.
- During the week of January 29 to February 4, the flu caused more deaths than Covid-19.
- The majority of Covid-19 indicators are declining.
- Even though the flu is still spreading at a high level, Public Health France has observed a trend toward stabilization in certain indicators.
This is a first since the start of the pandemic: the flu has caused more deaths than Covid-19, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin from Public health France published on February 7.
Flu: nearly 3.5% of recorded deaths
During the week of January 29 to February 4, 6,072 deaths were declared by electronic certificate. Next to “3.5% were with a mention of influenza as a morbid condition having directly caused or contributed to the death (vs. 2.6% in 4e week of 2024). Covid-19 was mentioned in 2.3% of deaths (vs. 2.8% in S04)”explained the health authority.
According to Public Health France, the majority of Covid-19 indicators were decreasing or stable “reflecting moderate circulation of SARS-CoV-2 even if a slight increase in the positivity rate was observed in the city”. During the week studied, nine patients were hospitalized in the intensive care unit after a visit to the emergency room for an infection or suspected infection with the Covid-19 virus, i.e. 0.4% compared to 0.5% during the week. from January 22 to 28.
A stabilization of the flu epidemic
Unlike Covid-19, the flu epidemic has spread at a high level, but the main indicators seem to be stabilizing. While a sharp increase in indicators was recorded during the week of January 22 to 28, 2024, the health agency noted that “the flu epidemic continued with a stabilization of the majority of indicators in community medicine and increased activity in hospitals.”
To combat the circulation of flu and Covid-19, Public Health France has recalled the importance of barrier gestures (wearing a mask in the event of symptoms, frequent hand cleaning, ventilation of enclosed spaces) in addition to vaccination against two infections. Started in October 2023, the flu vaccination campaign has notably been extended by one month and will last until February 29, 2024.
