In the middle of the Christmas season, the flu is gaining ground in France. The latest French Public Health bulletin, published this Thursday, December 26, points to a “strong increase in all flu indicators in the city and in hospitals, in all age groups.”
The health agency notes that “all regions” of France are affected by the epidemic, which has therefore progressed significantly in the last seven days.
“Children under 15 years of age were the most affected in the city and in hospitals, but a marked increase in visits to emergency rooms and hospitalizations was observed among people 65 years of age and older,” specifies Public Health. from France.
Older people, “particularly vulnerable”
In recent days the number of flu-related deaths has increased. “All these indicators reveal a circulation of influenza viruses that is intensifying among the general population and that especially affects older people, who are especially vulnerable to influenza,” health authorities continue.
However, there is nothing alarming in Public Health France, which notes that “compared to the five previous flu epidemics, the level of activity was moderate for all ages combined.”
To protect yourself from the flu, vaccination remains the most effective tool. Pharmacy unions point to an acceleration of vaccination, which will make it possible to compensate for the delayed start of winter.
For its part, the bronchiolitis epidemic is “decreasing”, although it remains active “in twelve regions of France, the Antilles, Guyana and Mayotte.” The illness was described as “low intensity compared” to previous years.
Source: BFM TV
