After a rebound observed at the start of the year, the flu epidemic finally seems to be receding. Indeed, in his last weekly update published on March 8, Public Health France evokes a drop in influenza activity in six regions of France.
A particularly severe flu epidemic affecting the entire population
This year, the flu was particularly severein particular because of a new strain of the virus, that of type B/Victoria. During week 9 (February 27 to March 5), the flu epidemic was in its 15th weekeither longer than the average for epidemics since 2010 (11 weeks). “Since week 40-2022 (October 3-9), among the 108,584 deaths reported in mainland France by electronic death certificate, 1,353 (1.2%) were with a mention of influenza as a morbid condition that directly caused or contributed to the death“, details the press release from Public Health France.
Among these patients, 12 were under the age of 15. In addition, 149 were between the ages of 15 and 64 and 1,192 were 65 and over. Thus, despite a prevalence among older people, this epidemic affects all categories of the population. “This season is also characterized by: marked severity, particularly among 15-44 year olds and 45-64 year olds“, explains Public Health France.
Influenza: influenza activity remains stable in 7 regions
However, if the epidemic is particularly strong this year, it seems to be receding on national territory. In its last point, Public Health France evokes a “slight decrease in influenza indicators in the city for all ages“. Indeed, six regions observe a decrease in contamination according to the health agency. Nevertheless, the other seven regions remain stable. Despite everything, Public Health France specifies: “11 out of 13 regions remain in the epidemic phase“. The two regions that are no longer in the epidemic phase are Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Normandy.
“Virological monitoring, however, indicated a still active circulation of influenza viruses in the city and in the hospital. (positivity rate of 33% and 6% respectively)although decreasing for the 3rd consecutive week”, warns Public Health France. Thus, if the signals are rather positive, the epidemic is not behind us yet. So you have to be careful to avoid getting sick.
Medisite takes stock of the 6 regions in which the influenza epidemic continues to decline.