Health

Concern over Mercury levels in canned tuna sold in France

Organisations are calling on limits to be much stricter. French brand ‘Petit Navire’ had mercury levels 13 times higher than fresh fish limits

Are foreign nursing qualifications recognised in France?

Brexit changed rules for Britons relocating to France

Tiger mosquitoes continue to spread at abnormally high levels in France

Mild autumn temperatures have enabled the insects to proliferate, amid record dengue cases

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Impact on appointments: French hospital staff are on strike today

Four major unions call for strike in response to 2025 budget

How do I ask for free French flu voucher if I did not receive one?

The 2024/2025 vaccination season has begun

American patient story causing organ donations to plummet in France

The story of a brain dead man waking up on the operating table is causing refusal rates to soar

Record dengue cases recorded in France - how to prevent the spread

Health authorities have warned that cases of native and imported dengue are at record levels

GRAPH: Variation in flu vaccination rates in France in last 16 years

Figures have fallen for three successive years, including for over 65s

French researchers give new hope in treating eating disorders

A groundbreaking theory links neurotransmitter deficits to compulsive behaviours, potentially revolutionising treatment

Why is there such a row in France over who owns Doliprane?

News of a potential sale of the manufacturer has reignited debates over drug shortages and ‘drug sovereignty’

Allergy tracking app to ease shopping difficulties created by French students

Innovative app by students helps allergy sufferers scan products and share tips, enhancing supermarket experiences.

What is being done to tackle France’s shortage of dermatologists?

The issue is part of a nationwide problem of medical deserts and a shortage of new doctors

I had cataract surgery in France

After her vision deteriorated in one eye, Finistère resident Ann Edwards, 80, had to go into hospital for an cataract operation. Here, she talks about the procedure and post-op check-ups

Explained: what is the official France Identité app and can foreigners use it?

Health cards are to soon be included, the French prime minister recently announced

Alert over wild mushrooms in France: 400 cases of intoxication since July

Pickers advised to avoid relying on smartphone apps to identify mushroom types due to risk of error

When, where, how: 2024-2025 flu vaccinations in France

The new campaign begins on October 15. Here are the details and how to get a jab

Dried sausages recalled across France over salmonella fears

Contaminated products were sold in several major French supermarket chains including Super U and Carrefour

Could reimbursement rates for medical consultations be lowered in France?

Cost-cutting measure is reported to be under review. Any reduction is likely to see insurance costs rise

Expert casts doubt on claims bites from French 'violin' spider killed two

'No deaths from a spider bite' have ever been recorded in France

Drug use in France surges to record high

A recent study shows significant rise in consumption across the nation, with cocaine use most notably on the up

Half of women in France not aware of breast cancer risk factors

A new study ahead of awareness month Pink October revealed ‘concerning results’ says an anti-cancer group

Visualise: Data on workers’ sick-leave days in France

Sick-leave is costing more and more each year, with authorities keen to reduce strain on healthcare budget

Change to prescription rules in France to prevent addiction

Two kinds of medicines will soon need a ‘secure’ prescription

Is medicinal cannabis legal in France and is CBD available in high-street shops?

There are ongoing trials assessing the benefits of cannabis for certain serious illnesses

EU gives go-ahead for France to ban disposable vapes

A law can now be passed to ban single-use e-cigarettes, called ‘puffs’ by young people, following health and environmental concerns

Covid-19 hospitalisation cases on rise in France

All age groups are affected but particularly the over 65s

Medicine shortages in France: heavy penalties for 11 laboratories

‘No class of drugs was spared’ from the severe shortages recorded last year, health authorities say

Is France set to ban smoking on restaurant and cafe terraces?

A new European proposal suggests a ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor and semi-outdoor public areas

French minister proposes tightening health aid to ‘irregular’ foreigners

New Interior Minister wants to restrict cover although plans have faced criticism

Expired medicine still ‘90% effective’ says new French study

An association said the results pointed to ‘a real environmental, economic and health scandal’, but doctors have warned that people should not take expired medicines

What are the rules for driving a mobility scooter in France?

The regulations can vary dependent upon the vehicle’s maximum speed

Ceam or Ghic: Which health card is right for Britons in France?

The choice is dependent upon which country funds your healthcare

Reminder: French medical analysis laboratories are on strike

Unions claim funding cuts will weaken services

Over 600 people ill from drinking tap water in south-central France

Illness may also have been spread through human contact

Bowel cancer screening in France: early testing is important

Life-saving test is offered to 50 to 74-year-olds

New iodine tablets for communes near French nuclear power sites

The tablets are distributed for use in the event of an emergency, but some say the scheme does not go far enough

France launches health inquiry across the population

The study is starting with a trial and is set to be rolled out nationwide next year

How France’s new free health checks work

People in four key age groups are eligible and the 30-45 minute checks are designed to offer better preventative care

Are there English-speaking dentists in France?

France does suffer from so-called ‘medical deserts’ which can affect all professions

New hope in France of treatment for rare fatal motor neurone disease

Blood platelets injected into patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) may prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life

Why speaking French is good for your brain

Learning a new language can improve brain health and even delay the onset of dementia

French authorities announce major reform to workers’ sick pay rules

The cost of sick leave days is expected to ‘increase by more than €1 billion’ to €17 billion by the end of 2024

€1 franchise fee proposed for medical devices in France

Adding the fee could save the state at least €259 million in healthcare costs, a new report claims

France to offer free STI screening for young - no prescription needed

Previously only HIV tests were available this way

Dogs banned from French city water spaces after pet dies

The municipality of Lille issued the order after a dog was found to have died from blue-green algae poisoning

French medical laboratories issue strike notice for September

Unions say budget cuts of almost 10% may force closures, but state health authorities argue budget was already agreed

Allergy warning: several areas of France on red alert for ragweed pollen

Over three million people in France thought to be allergic to this pollen

Dengue: Anti-mosquito operation launched in France after new case

The infected person had travelled to a high-risk tropical area before returning to France

1.5cm hole in leg: Teenager bitten by ‘violin’ spider in south of France

The spiders are not thought to be aggressive. We look at where they are in France and the possible complications of a bite

What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

Preventative cancer testing is provided but often depends on age, gender and pre-existing conditions

50 French hospitals hit by long patient delays or summer closures

The health minister has admitted ‘there are difficult situations to address’ as one health union claims four people have died while waiting for emergency care

110,000 boxes of antibiotics recalled in France

Pharmacists must return stocks, but individuals should not in theory have any faulty medicines in their homes

Successful trial means medicinal cannabis set to be available in France

Treatment could be prescribed widely from 2025

Mpox: France is preparing for ‘a few clusters’ of cases

‘We are ready to face up to this epidemic, with vaccines that will work’ but the virus is not expected to ‘spread widely’, experts say

Are Mpox (monkeypox) vaccines available in France?

Spread of new variant of virus is causing concern across world

French government shines spotlight on autism

An awareness campaign launched earlier this year aims to enhance understanding and support

Travelling outside France? Check which jabs you need

If you are heading for far-flung destinations, it is vital to have the right vaccinations

‘West Nile’ virus has had three native French cases

Virus is often asymptomatic but can result in lasting neurological damage, and even death

Comment: ‘If you are going to break a tooth, don’t do it in France in August’

Reader tells how he tried 70 different dentists - but still no luck

Several emergency hospital services temporarily closed across France

A shortage of staff has caused closures or service restrictions in hospitals including centres in Dordogne, Provence, and Brittany

France to launch plan to tackle winter medicine shortages

We look at why shortages have been rising over the past few years and what is being done

Hearing aid take-up soars in France following 100% reimbursement scheme

The 100% Santé Reform, launched in 2019, covers hearing, visual and dental equipment

Where can I find an English-speaking doctor in France?

Doctors are not allowed to ‘promote’ themselves via advertisements

Can we get help towards my wife’s respite care costs in France?

Certain low-income families may not benefit from tax reductions when it comes to respite care

Covid: Latest stats in France as Olympic winner tests positive

Noah Lyles had been aiming to take four gold medals in Paris but Covid scuppered his ambitions

French town opens medical centre for those without a GP

The centre takes patients with or without appointments, amid the growing problem of 'medical deserts'

Hundreds of hikers hit by stomach bug on Corsican GR20 trek

Seven people have been hospitalised and the cause is still being investigated

Can I claim UK 'Attendance Allowance' if I live in France?

Brexit changed eligibility requirements for this benefit

Seven French expressions revolving around health

Un torticolis, un bleu, sa ligne - can you work out what these terms mean?

Breastfeeding increases in France but still way behind UK and US

Almost three quarters of mothers now breastfeed their babies at birth in France, but health authorities say UK and US are still considerably ahead

French watchdog publishes map of beaches where swimmers risk illness

Find your nearest beach: the interactive map lets you search and zoom in, and shows a colour-coded legend of whether to avoid a beach or not

Explained: home help options for the elderly in France

What are the financials aid, services and steps to access home assistance?

Medicine, summer heat, sun cream: Official French health agency advice

The annual hot weather reminder includes tips for sun protection, medicine storage, and how to prevent dehydration

Common food additive used in France linked to coeliac disease

One of the most common food additives, present in thousands of products, could promote the development of autoimmune conditions

Nurses can now sign death certificates in France

A law giving nurses the authority to sign death certificates has been extended to the whole of the country

Health

Concern over Mercury levels in canned tuna sold in France

Are foreign nursing qualifications recognised in France?

Tiger mosquitoes continue to spread at abnormally high levels in France

Impact on appointments: French hospital staff are on strike today

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What the new red lines on some French motorways mean

Some main homes in France targeted for capital gains tax under new plan

Tour de France 2025 route revealed: will it pass near you?

French 10-year residency cards: The three types and who can apply for them

New and upcoming changes in France in November 2024

Tiger mosquitoes continue to spread at abnormally high levels in France

How to identify and destroy toxic plants that grow in French gardens

How do I ask for free French flu voucher if I did not receive one?

American patient story causing organ donations to plummet in France

Record dengue cases recorded in France - how to prevent the spread

GRAPH: Variation in flu vaccination rates in France in last 16 years

French researchers give new hope in treating eating disorders

Why is there such a row in France over who owns Doliprane?

Allergy tracking app to ease shopping difficulties created by French students

What is being done to tackle France’s shortage of dermatologists?

I had cataract surgery in France

Explained: what is the official France Identité app and can foreigners use it?

Covid and flu vaccination campaign starts today in France - who is invited?

French-made hospital respirator revolutionises global healthcare

New rules for sick-leave notes introduced in France

Alert over wild mushrooms in France: 400 cases of intoxication since July

Weight loss drug Wegovy to be sold on prescription in France

Carte Vitale: Plans for digital version to be integrated with French ID app

Ditch diets, stay active and self-care: Enjoy life the French way

EU citizens have difficulty obtaining French digital health cards

What is a French attestation des droits? Is it necessary to have one?

When, where, how: 2024-2025 flu vaccinations in France

Dried sausages recalled across France over salmonella fears

Could reimbursement rates for medical consultations be lowered in France?

Expert casts doubt on claims bites from French 'violin' spider killed two

Drug use in France surges to record high

Half of women in France not aware of breast cancer risk factors

Visualise: Data on workers’ sick-leave days in France

Change to prescription rules in France to prevent addiction

Is medicinal cannabis legal in France and is CBD available in high-street shops?

EU gives go-ahead for France to ban disposable vapes

Covid-19 hospitalisation cases on rise in France

Medicine shortages in France: heavy penalties for 11 laboratories

Is France set to ban smoking on restaurant and cafe terraces?

French minister proposes tightening health aid to ‘irregular’ foreigners

Expired medicine still ‘90% effective’ says new French study

What are the rules for driving a mobility scooter in France?

Ceam or Ghic: Which health card is right for Britons in France?

Reminder: French medical analysis laboratories are on strike

Over 600 people ill from drinking tap water in south-central France

Bowel cancer screening in France: early testing is important

New iodine tablets for communes near French nuclear power sites

France launches health inquiry across the population

How France’s new free health checks work

Are there English-speaking dentists in France?

New hope in France of treatment for rare fatal motor neurone disease

Why speaking French is good for your brain

French authorities announce major reform to workers’ sick pay rules

€1 franchise fee proposed for medical devices in France

France to offer free STI screening for young - no prescription needed

Dogs banned from French city water spaces after pet dies

French medical laboratories issue strike notice for September

Allergy warning: several areas of France on red alert for ragweed pollen

Dengue: Anti-mosquito operation launched in France after new case

1.5cm hole in leg: Teenager bitten by ‘violin’ spider in south of France

What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

50 French hospitals hit by long patient delays or summer closures

110,000 boxes of antibiotics recalled in France

Successful trial means medicinal cannabis set to be available in France

Mpox: France is preparing for ‘a few clusters’ of cases

Are Mpox (monkeypox) vaccines available in France?

French government shines spotlight on autism

Travelling outside France? Check which jabs you need

‘West Nile’ virus has had three native French cases

Comment: ‘If you are going to break a tooth, don’t do it in France in August’

Several emergency hospital services temporarily closed across France

France to launch plan to tackle winter medicine shortages

Hearing aid take-up soars in France following 100% reimbursement scheme

Where can I find an English-speaking doctor in France?