The seasonal flu epidemic has continued to progress in recent days in France, particularly reaching the Paris region, while that of bronchiolitis has continued to decline after a peak in early December, the public health agency said on Wednesday. The main indicators of the flu epidemic – number of doctor consultations, hospitalizations, etc. – “were on the rise” last week, ending December 24, according to the weekly report from Public Health France.
The flu is now hitting Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France
The epidemic, which had spread throughout the eastern part of the country, is now also hitting Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France. As for the regions of France where the epidemic is not yet in full swing, they are already in the so-called “pre-epidemic” phase. Overseas, Guyana and Mayotte remain affected by the epidemic and Guadeloupe is now in the pre-epidemic phase.
While the flu is spreading in France, the public health agency, however, confirms a decline in the bronchiolitis epidemic, which mainly affects babies. After a peak at the beginning of December, its main indicators decreased “for the third consecutive week”, notes Public Health France, emphasizing however that they remain at a high level, all metropolitan regions remaining affected by the epidemic.
A wave of Covid which is starting to ebb
The last major winter epidemic to be monitored weekly, Covid-19 continues to record a significant wave but this is starting to ebb slightly.
“In this context of high circulation of various respiratory viruses and in addition to vaccination against influenza and Covid-19” among the most vulnerable such as those over 65, “the systematic adoption of barrier gestures by all remains essential, particularly wearing a mask in the event of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people”, recalls Public Health France.