The flu epidemic is on the rise once more. With a 38% increase in the incidence rate, the virus is circulating throughout France. On February 9, 11 regions are affected by a red alert level.
The flu never ends. At the start of the year, the epidemic is on the rise once more and already 712 serious cases of influenza have been admitted to intensive care. In its weekly report, Public health France reports an increase in most indicators and places 11 regions on red alert.
The incidence rate jumps
It is in the cities that the indicators show the strongest rebound in the epidemic. The incidence rate reaches the 156 infections per 100,000 people. And if type B viruses are in the majority, type A viruses persist throughout France. The resurgence of the epidemic, feared last week, is now confirmed.
It’s the south of the country which is the most affected, in particular the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, then Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
11 regions out of 13 are placed in red, this is one more region than last week, Brittany. The overseas territories are also affected by the epidemic, in particular Martinique, Guadeloupe and Saint-Martin.
Hospitalizations on the rise
With the number of contaminations rising, that of hospitalizations following going to the emergency room for flu syndrome, it is up by 43 %. The number of visits to the emergency room, without hospitalizations, increased by 40 %.
712 serious cases of influenza have been admitted to intensive care since the start of the surveillance period last October. 42% of these cases were over 65 years old. Within these hospitalizations, 83 deaths have been reported, including 40 in this highest age category.
The French public health report notes the fact that a significant severity of flu-related symptoms has been observed compared to previous seasons. And if it concerns most cases, it is the more marked among 45-64 year olds.
Barrier gesture and vaccination
The weekly public health report underlines the importance of the adoption of barrier gestures by all to limit the risk of transmission of respiratory viruses to those around you.
He recalls that this respect for protective measures and the vaccination are the best ways to prevent contamination. Regular hand washing, greetings from a distance, wearing a mask, regular ventilation of rooms, distancing… These measures are all the more important for people at risk.