The flu still on the rise, bronchiolitis on the decline

The seasonal flu epidemic has continued to progress in recent days in France, particularly reaching the Paris region, while that of bronchiolitis has continued to decline after a peak in early December, the public health agency said on Wednesday, December 27.

The main indicators of the flu epidemic - number of doctor consultations, hospitalizations, etc. - "were on the rise" last week, ending December 24, according to the weekly report from Public Health France. The epidemic, which had spread throughout the eastern part of the country, is now also hitting Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France. As for the regions of France where the epidemic is not yet in full swing, they are already in the so-called “pre-epidemic” phase.

Overseas, Guyana and Mayotte remain affected by the epidemic and Guadeloupe is now in the pre-epidemic phase. While the flu is spreading in France, the public health agency, however, confirms a decline in the bronchiolitis epidemic, which mainly affects babies.

After a peak at the beginning of December, its main indicators decreased "for the third consecutive week", notes Public Health France, emphasizing however that they remain at a high level, all metropolitan regions remaining affected by the epidemic. The last major winter epidemic to be monitored weekly, Covid-19 continues to record a significant wave but this is starting to ebb slightly.

“In this context of high circulation of different respiratory viruses and in addition to vaccination against influenza and Covid-19” among the most vulnerable such as those over 65, “the systematic adoption of barrier gestures by all remains essential, particularly wearing a mask in the event of symptoms, in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people,” recalls Public Health France.