Ongoing Influenza Epidemic in France: Youngsters Among the Most Affected, Vaccination Campaign Extended
Flu Epidemic Intensifies in France with Significant Impact on Children Under 15; Vaccination Campaign Extended Until End of February
The influenza epidemic in France continues with a high level of hospital activity, particularly affecting children under 15. According to the latest report from Santé publique France, the spread of the virus remains intense but varies across different age groups.
The flu activity has been stable among those aged 15-64 and has decreased among individuals 65 and older, while it continues to rise among children, particularly those aged 5-14.
Hospital activity is notably increased in the 5-14 age group, whereas it has decreased in older age categories.
Public health authorities warn that the current spread among children could lead to an uptick in hospital indicators for adults in the coming weeks.
Currently, there are 697 patients in intensive care due to the flu, with half of them being 65 years or older.
Of these patients, 94% have a preexisting health condition.
There has been a slight decrease in deaths linked to the flu, but the numbers remain relatively high.
In response to the persistent high intensity of the seasonal flu epidemic, the French Ministry of Health has extended the vaccination campaign by one month, now continuing until the end of February.
The campaign is being conducted alongside the COVID-19 vaccination efforts, with a call for vulnerable populations to get vaccinated promptly, as stated in a communiqué by the Direction générale de la Santé.
The flu activity has been stable among those aged 15-64 and has decreased among individuals 65 and older, while it continues to rise among children, particularly those aged 5-14.
Hospital activity is notably increased in the 5-14 age group, whereas it has decreased in older age categories.
Public health authorities warn that the current spread among children could lead to an uptick in hospital indicators for adults in the coming weeks.
Currently, there are 697 patients in intensive care due to the flu, with half of them being 65 years or older.
Of these patients, 94% have a preexisting health condition.
There has been a slight decrease in deaths linked to the flu, but the numbers remain relatively high.
In response to the persistent high intensity of the seasonal flu epidemic, the French Ministry of Health has extended the vaccination campaign by one month, now continuing until the end of February.
The campaign is being conducted alongside the COVID-19 vaccination efforts, with a call for vulnerable populations to get vaccinated promptly, as stated in a communiqué by the Direction générale de la Santé.
