In his last weekly bulletin of January 24, Public Health France notes that “the circulation of influenza viruses was increasing in week 3 (January 15 to 21), with an increase in positivity rates in the city and in hospitals.”
Furthermore, bronchiolitis indicators continue to decrease, as do Covid indicators.
2024 flu map: all regions are at the “epidemic” stage
Seasonal influenza epidemic alert level – week 3
Acute respiratory infections (flu, bronchiolitis, COVID-19). Week 02 (January 8 to 14, 2024). Public Health France. Published: January 2, 2024Overseas regions, Guyana and Guadeloupe remained in an epidemic, Martinique passed into an epidemic phase and Mayotte remained in a post-epidemic phase”, specifies Santé Publique France.
Every year, in mainland France, the epidemic of seasonal flu occurs between the months of November and April, with a peak between the end of December and the beginning of January. It lasts on average between 10 and 11 weeks. Between 2 and 6 million people are affected each year by this particularly contagious viral infection, responsible for around 10,000 deaths: more than 90% of these deaths occur in people over 65 years old.
There winter season 2022-2023 was marked by an epidemic “early and exceptionally long”, with a first wave “very high intensity and marked by a significant impact among those under 65”.
Barrier gestures, vaccination: how to protect yourself from the flu this winter 2024?
In this context and in addition to vaccination against seasonal flu and Covid, “the systematic adoption of barrier gestures by all remains essential, particularly wearing a mask in case of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of people at risk, hand washing and regular ventilation of enclosed spaces”, recalls SPF.
“These measures remain an effective way to protect against respiratory infections and their complications by limiting the risk of transmission of these viruses to those around them, particularly people at risk.”
In addition to these barrier gestures, vaccination against flu remains recommended, particularly for the most fragile people (people over 65, pregnant women, obese people, people with chronic illnesses), as well as for those close to fragile people. “In France, it helps prevent more than 2,000 deaths per year.”, indicates the Ministry of Health.
Since the start of the campaign on October 17, 2023, 30% of COVID-19 vaccinations have been given at the same time as a flu vaccine among people aged 65 and over.
Sources:
- Acute respiratory infections (flu, bronchiolitis, COVID-19). Week 02 (January 8 to 14, 2024). Public Health France. Published: January 24, 2024
- Pasteur Institute – Flu
- Ministry of Labor, Health and Solidarity – Seasonal flu