Flu: the epidemic “remains intense” and continues to advance among children, although the peak has not yet been reached

The epidemic has not yet reached its peak. Flu activity “remains intense” in France, as indicated in the new French Public Health bulletin dedicated to respiratory infections published this Wednesday, January 22.

Although the Minister in charge of Health, Yannick Neuder, had mentioned a “plateau” at the beginning of the week, the indicators of the epidemic remain high and are even progressing among those under 15 years of age at the end of the third week of the year, that is , between January 13 and 19.

Between the second and third week, the proportion of flu syndromes in community medicine increases by 1.6 points compared to the previous week due to this progression of flu among children and, in particular, among children from 5 to 14 years.

However, emergency room visits for flu-like illnesses and hospitalizations after emergency room visits are decreasing during this same period. The truth is that they are still at a very high level of intensity among those under 15 years of age.

In addition, the percentage of flu-related deaths decreased slightly compared to the previous week (6.8% vs. 7.3%), although it remained at a very high level compared to previous epidemics.

“The current intense flu activity among children could lead to an upward recovery in hospital indicators among adults in the coming weeks,” warns Public Health France.

The expanded vaccination campaign

The public health body recalls that vaccination, whose duration is extended until the end of February, remains “the best way to protect against influenza (…) its especially serious forms.” It is recommended “for all eligible people, in particular people aged 65 years or older and people older than 6 months, who suffer from comorbidities with a high risk of suffering from a severe form of the disease.”

In addition to vulnerable people, vaccination is also recommended for those around them and professionals in the medical and social sector.

“In addition to existing vaccines and preventive treatments, the adoption of barrier measures remains essential to protect against all winter diseases,” finally underlines Public Health France.