The decline in indicators of the flu epidemic in France, observed the previous week, continues in 6 of the 13 metropolitan regions.
- During the 9th week of 2023, a slight drop in flu indicators was recorded in France.
- This downward trend was observed in 6 of the 13 metropolitan areas.
- However, viral circulation is still active with a majority of B/Victoria type viruses.
The flu epidemic, which has been particularly long this season, is showing signs of abating. Its indicators generally show a decline in the week from February 27 to March 5, according to the weekly bulletin of Public Health France published on March 8, 2023.
“This downward trend was observed in 6 of the 13 regions (Corsica, Grand Est, Île-de-France, Occitanie, Pays de la Loire and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), with influenza activity remaining stable in the 7 other regions”says the organization.
Influenza: the number of cases and hospitalizations down in France
Fewer patients saw their doctor for flu-like illness compared to the previous week. The number of consultations fell by 7% to 108 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The proportion of flu-like illnesses among the activities of SOS Médecins was also down slightly, all ages combined (9.1% compared to 9.8% the previous week).
However, Public Health France specifies that these indicators remained stable for two populations: the under 15s and the over 65s.
The situation is also less tense in hospitals. The number of visits to the emergency room for flu and the number of hospitalizations fell by 27% and 42% respectively in seven days. “This trend was observed in all age groups”specifies the weekly bulletin.
Influenza: circulation of the virus still active
If the flu seems to be running out of steam, vigilance is still required. “Virological surveillance, however, indicated a still active circulation of influenza viruses in the city and in the hospital (positivity rate of 33% and 6% respectively), although decreasing for the 3rd consecutive week”warns Public Health France.
Type B/Victoria viruses, which have become the majority in the city since the beginning of January and in the hospital since mid-February, are still the main responsible for the cases recorded.
Moreover, the disease does not spare the overseas departments and regions either. “The West Indies were still in epidemic, while Mayotte returned to the pre-epidemic phase from February 27 to March 5 after a first epidemic wave observed from S44 to S52 (end of 2022, editor’s note)”says the report.
After 15 weeks of an influenza epidemic, health professionals notice that “this season is characterized by a marked severity, particularly among 15-44 year olds and 45-64 year olds”.
