In its influenza surveillance bulletin of December 26, the national public health agency points to the “increase in indicators of influenza activity in mainland France”. It is particularly notable in the Occitanie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur, Ile-de-France and Pays de la Loire regions.
It was mainly the hospitals that saw their activity increase: in the week from December 16 to 22, 1,787 emergency visits for influenza or influenza-like illness were counted, compared to 1,219 the previous week. A total of 160 were hospitalized, up from 95 the previous week.
Since November 4, 47 serious cases (admitted to intensive care) have been identified, including 11 in the week preceding the start of the school holidays.
To reduce the risk of getting the flu, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or a hydroalcoholic solution, cough or sneeze into your elbow, and use single-use tissues. If you have symptoms of the flu, wear a disposable mask in the presence of fragile people. And, of course, go to your doctor.
Public Health France recalls that “vaccination is the best way to protect yourself.” The 2019-2020 vaccination campaign lasts until January 31.
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