The flu virus is circulating more and more in France: Île-de-France is the first region to enter the epidemic phase this season.
- Flu cases are increasing in towns and hospitals in all age groups, according to the latest data from Public Health France.
- The Île-de-France region has entered the epidemic phase.
- 5 other regions are in the pre-flu epidemic phase.
Three weeks before the end of year holidays, the flu is starting to show worrying signs of activity. During the week of November 25 to December 1, 2024, Île-de-France entered into an epidemic and five regions were in pre-epidemic: Hauts-de-France, Normandy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany and Grand Est .
Flu: the epidemic arrives in Île-de-France
In its latest weekly bulletin on acute respiratory infections published on December 4, Public Health France warns that “Influenza indicators continued to increase in the city and in hospitals and in all age groups.” In fact, the overall rate of consultations for influenza-like illness rose from 117 per 100,000 inhabitants to 128 per 100,000 in one week.
Taking into account these increases, the activity level went from a “basic” level to a “low” level for all ages, “except for those under 15”, specify the authors of the report. Although the indicators have also progressed in hospitals, they remain at basic levels.
“Since week 40, 36 cases of influenza and 143 cases of COVID-19 have been reported by the intensive care units participating in surveillance (non-exhaustive surveillance). Two cases of influenza/SARS-CoV-2 co-infections and 13 cases of RSV infection have also been reported.the report reveals. More than 8 out of 10 hospitalized flu cases were major. Furthermore, type A virus was identified in all cases where it was verified.
Bronchiolitis occurs almost throughout France
The rise of the flu does not slow down the circulation of bronchiolitis. The syndromic indicators linked to this disease, which mainly affects young children, were on the rise in towns and in hospitals. All metropolitan regions are now classified as epidemic, except Corsica which is still at basic level.
In the overseas departments and regions, the disease remains very present in Guadeloupe, Martinique and Guyana. Mayotte is in the pre-epidemic phase.
Last week, 8.2% of SOS Médecins medical procedures, 15.1% of emergency room visits and 30.5% of hospitalizations for patients under 2 years old were linked to a diagnosis of bronchiolitis.
Faced with all the epidemic indicators on the rise, Public Health France recalls that “vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against influenza and COVID-19, particularly severe forms of these diseases” and that it is not too late to give the injection. To combat bronchiolitis, there are two possible measures: either vaccination of the pregnant woman to protect the newborn or infant under 6 months of age, or immunization of infants with a monoclonal antibody.
