Influenza epidemic progresses in France, bronchiolitis continues to decline

France is increasingly suffering from seasonal flu. In recent days, the epidemic has continued to progress, especially reaching the Paris region. In turn, bronchiolitis rates continued to decline after peaking in early December, the public health agency reported Wednesday.

Key indicators of the flu epidemic (number of doctor visits, hospitalizations, etc.) were “on the rise” last week ending December 24, Public Health France said in its weekly report.

Ile-de-France and Hautes-de-France are now affected

The epidemic, which has spread across the eastern part of the country, is now also affecting the Ile-de-France and Hautes-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 are still affected by the epidemic, while Guadeloupe is currently in the pre-epidemic phase.

However, the public health agency confirms a decline in the epidemic of bronchiolitis, which predominantly affects infants. After a peak in early December, its main indicators have been declining for “the third week in a row,” Public Health France notes, but stresses that they remain at high levels, with all metropolitan areas remaining affected by the epidemic.

Covid-19, the last major winter epidemic monitored weekly, continues to record a significant surge, but it is starting to subside.

In this context of the circulation of various viruses and “in addition to vaccination against influenza and Covid-19” among the most vulnerable groups, such as people over 65 years of age, the French Public Health Service recalls the “paramount” importance of adopting “barrier gestures by all”, in particular “Wear a mask in case of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people,” reminds the French Health Service.