With the arrival of winter, the flu virus returns to mainland France. Four regions are now in the “pre-epidemic” phase, Public Health France indicated on Wednesday.
These are Île-de-France, Normandy, Hauts-de-France and the Centre-Val de Loire region. Brittany had entered the pre-epidemic phase two weeks earlier.
Inquiries on the rise
The Sentinel Health Surveillance Network establishes an incidence rate of the flu virus of 114 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Medical consultations for flu-like illnesses increased by 65% compared to the previous week, specifies Public Health France.
The number of ER visits for flu or flu-like symptoms also increased 39% compared to last week. Since the monitoring of the evolution of the situation began, 19 people have been admitted to intensive care due to severe cases of flu.
Although five regions are currently affected by this pre-epidemic phase, Santé Publique France has observed an increase in influenza surveillance indicators in most metropolitan regions.
The open vaccination campaign
Abroad, Martinique, Réunion and Mayotte are already in the epidemic phase. However, in these territories, Santé Publique France observes a fairly stable evolution of the circulation of the virus, or even a decrease for Martinique. A trend that remains to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
In decline in the last two years due to the barrier gestures established against Covid-19, the flu epidemic could well be more important this winter. Santé Publique France believes that “an influenza epidemic occurring early this year in mainland France cannot be ruled out.”
The organization recalls the importance of vaccination against seasonal flu and maintaining barrier gestures to limit the transmission of the virus.
According to Health Insurance, each year, 2 to 6 million people are affected by the flu. The vaccination campaign against the virus began in mid-October. First reserved until November 15 for frail people, it remains open until January 31, 2023.
Source: BFM TV
