THE ESSENTIAL
- Since the start of epidemiological surveillance of influenza, 351 serious cases have been admitted to intensive care, including 11 in week 15.
- In France, there are 377 reports of episodes of clustered cases of acute respiratory infection in medico-social establishments, including 153 confirmed episodes of influenza.
After five weeks of increase, the flu epidemic, unusually late this year, is receding in mainland France. This is what Public Health France indicated in its weekly bulletin published on April 20. In week 15, the health authority saw a reduction in most flu indicators. However, all regions are still in the epidemic phase. According to the latest figures, the incidence rate of consultations for an influenza-like illness is estimated at 202 per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease of 14% compared to week 14.
A decrease in deaths
The number of visits to the emergency room for flu also fell by 24%. As for the number of people hospitalized following a visit to the emergency room, it stands at 900, a reduction of 24% compared to week 14. “The level of activity intensity in the ILI ambulatory medicine decreased from a moderate level in week 14 to a low level in week 15”, can we read in the report.
According to Public Health France, for the first time, the number of flu-related deaths also fell in week 15. These deaths mainly concerned people aged 65 or over (85%) and 13 deaths were recorded in children. under 15 years old.
Continue to apply barrier gestures
“Although decreasing, the influenza indicators were still at high levels this week, marking a still intense circulation of influenza viruses in parallel with SARS-CoV-2. In this context, the interest of barrier gestures to limit the dissemination of influenza viruses and protecting people at risk, especially the elderly, remains essential”, reminds the health authority. She also insists on the importance of vaccination, which remains one of the “best ways to protect yourself from the flu”.
