Flu epidemic continues in France, under-15s and over-65s most affected

France is still experiencing a major winter flu epidemic, with the majority of the mainland at ‘red alert’ level for epidemic respiratory viruses, the latest health authority figures show.

In its most recent update on January 2 (for the week to December 29), Santé publique France (SPF) said:

• Seasonal flu is still at high levels

• The bronchiolitis epidemic is continuing although at lower levels than before, and dropping for the second consecutive week. The Ile-de-France region is coming out of epidemic status.

• Covid-19 indicators are “generally stable at low levels”, compared with the previous week.

A total of 11 regions out of 13 are on red alert for bronchiolitis, while all regions are still on red alert for flu.

Read also: Flu epidemic hits all of mainland France 

Respiratory viruses

There was a “marked increase” in acute respiratory infections across all age groups in the past week, both in hospitals and at GP consultations, SPF said.

Those aged 65 and over were the most likely age group to be hospitalised following a visit to A&E due to an acute respiratory infection, figures show, with this group accounting for almost two-thirds of hospital admissions for acute respiratory infection in the last week of 2024.

Flu

For flu specifically, the epidemic is still “intensifying in all age groups [and] reaching a very high level in the under-15s” in mainland France, said SPF.

Vaccination reminder

The health authority also used its latest bulletin to remind the public that “vaccination remains the best way to protect against influenza and Covid-19, particularly the severe forms of these diseases”.

It recommends vaccination for “all eligible people, to protect them and those around them”. Those eligible include particularly vulnerable people, including: 

• People aged 65 and over 

• People who are immunocompromised 

• Infants aged over six months with existing conditions

• Pregnant women

• Residents and workers of all ages, at medical and social establishments

• Anyone who comes into regular contact with vulnerable people

Read also: France's joint flu and Covid vaccination campaign: What you need to know

SPF also reminded people to adopt good hygiene and ‘barrier’ gestures to prevent the spread of winter viruses and illnesses, including: 

• Washing hands

• Airing out rooms regularly

• Wearing a mask if you have symptoms (fever, sore throat or cough), in crowded places and around vulnerable people.