France Battles Intense Flu Epidemic as Hospitals Activate Emergency Plans
The flu epidemic sweeping across France has reached alarming levels, prompting 87 hospitals to activate the white plan, a crisis management system that allows for the postponement of non-urgent surgeries and the recall of staff from leave. The Ministry of Health confirmed this measure on Friday,January 10,2025,as hospitals grapple with an overwhelming influx of patients. Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity, and families Catherine Vautrin had earlier mentioned on CNews and Europe 1 that nearly a “hundred” hospitals had already triggered the plan by thursday evening.
The surge in flu cases has been attributed to several factors, including a relaxation of barrier gestures and insufficient vaccination rates. Health professionals also point to the coexistence of multiple influenza strains, which has exacerbated the situation. “Patients are less inclined to wear a mask. We see some in the waiting room who come without masks, we distribute them,” observed Dr. Urfan Ashraf, secretary general of SOS Médecins. He added, “Barrier gestures, the reflex of washing hands, hydroalcoholic solutions, ventilating, are less recent times: these are part of the elements of transmission.”
Holiday Gatherings Fuel virus Spread
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The end-of-year holiday season played a significant role in accelerating the spread of the virus. Increased social contacts, coupled with the closure of local doctors’ offices, created a perfect storm: reduced healthcare availability met with heightened demand. Compounding the issue is the presence of multiple influenza strains. While A (H1N1) and B (Victoria) typically circulate sequentially, a third strain, A (H3N2), is gaining strength.This unusual co-circulation has led to a broader impact, affecting “younger than usual, older children and adults up to 50 years old,” according to virologist Bruno Lina. Dr. Ashraf noted that the symptoms—“very significant body aches, headaches, dizziness, muscle and joint pain, chills, fever that rises to 40”—can be particularly alarming for those unaccustomed to such severe flu cases.
Vaccination Efforts Fall Short
Despite the severity of the epidemic, vaccination coverage remains disappointingly low. Public Health France (SpF) reported that the winter flu season, which typically lasts ten to twelve weeks, has intensified in early January, leading to hospitalizations at levels not seen in previous seasons. The number of flu-related deaths, primarily among those over 65, has also risen.Authorities continue to emphasize that vaccination is the most effective defense against severe flu and covid-19 cases. The vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 65 and over, immunocompromised individuals, infants over six months with comorbidities, pregnant women, and residents of medico-social establishments. However, Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France, lamented that “the vaccination campaign got off to a very difficult start,” adding that the flu remains “deadly for fragile peopel.”
Caregivers Bear the Brunt
In retirement homes, the situation is somewhat contained, with Jean-Christophe Amarantinis, president of the main union of private nursing homes, Synerpa, stating that “there is no massive peak of the epidemic.” However,Pierre Roux,president of the Association of Directors serving the elderly,stressed the importance of encouraging “staff and residents to be vaccinated and respect barrier gestures.”
Caregivers, simultaneously occurring, face significant challenges. “Unluckily, the dunce cap falls on caregivers, even though they are in contact with patients and can transmit viruses,” Besset remarked. While vaccination coverage is “a little better than last year,” it remains “weak,” with only 10.3 million doses distributed so far.
Mask mandates Reintroduced
In response to the crisis, mask-wearing has once again become compulsory in several hospital centers, including Abbeville, Libourne (Gironde), Lisieux (Calvados), Le Havre, and Calais. However, five years after the Covid-19 pandemic, the habit of wearing masks has not become ingrained. According to an SpF study published in mid-October, more than four in ten French people never wear a mask, even when experiencing symptoms.
Key Takeaways
Below is a summary of the critical points surrounding the current flu epidemic in France:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Hospitals affected | 87 hospitals have activated the white plan to manage patient influx. |
| Influenza Strains | Co-circulation of A (H1N1), B (Victoria), and A (H3N2) strains. |
| Affected Age Groups | older children and adults up to 50 years old. |
| Vaccination Coverage | 10.3 million doses distributed; coverage remains low. |
| mask Mandates | Compulsory in hospitals in Abbeville, Libourne, lisieux, Le Havre, Calais. |
As France navigates this challenging flu season, the importance of vaccination, barrier gestures, and collective duty cannot be overstated. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others. For more updates, visit Public Health France.
france’s Flu Epidemic: Insights from Dr. Sophie Laurent on Vaccination, Mask Mandates, and Healthcare Challenges
As France grapples with an intense flu epidemic, hospitals are overwhelmed, and emergency plans have been activated to manage the crisis. With multiple influenza strains circulating and vaccination rates remaining low, the situation has become a significant public health concern. To shed light on the current challenges and solutions, we spoke with Dr.Sophie Laurent, an infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist, about the ongoing flu epidemic, vaccination efforts, and the reintroduction of mask mandates.
The Current State of the Flu Epidemic
Senior Editor: Dr.Laurent, thank you for joining us. Can you start by giving us an overview of the current flu situation in France?
Dr. Sophie Laurent: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed concerning. We’re seeing a significant surge in flu cases,with 87 hospitals activating the white plan to manage the influx of patients.This is a crisis management system that allows hospitals to postpone non-urgent surgeries and recall staff from leave. The co-circulation of multiple influenza strains—A (H1N1), B (Victoria), and A (H3N2)—has made this flu season especially severe. what’s unusual is that it’s affecting not just the elderly but also older children and adults up to 50 years old.
Vaccination Efforts and Challenges
Senior Editor: Vaccination rates seem to be a recurring issue. Why do you think coverage remains low despite the severity of the epidemic?
Dr. sophie Laurent: It’s a complex issue. While vaccination is the moast effective way to prevent severe flu, there’s a persistent hesitancy among the public. This year, we’ve distributed 10.3 million doses, which is slightly better than last year but still insufficient.Part of the problem is that people underestimate the flu’s impact, especially on vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with chronic conditions.Additionally, the holiday season likely contributed to the spread, as gatherings increased and barrier gestures like mask-wearing and hand hygiene were relaxed.
Senior Editor: What about caregivers? How are they being affected,and what role do they play in this epidemic?
Dr. Sophie Laurent: Caregivers are on the front lines,and they face significant challenges. They’re in constant contact with patients, which puts them at higher risk of contracting and transmitting the virus.Unfortunately, vaccination rates among healthcare workers are also lower than they should be. Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France, rightly pointed out that caregivers frequently enough bear the brunt of criticism, even though they’re doing their best under tough circumstances. Encouraging vaccination among staff and residents in retirement homes is crucial to containing the spread.
The Return of Mask Mandates
Senior Editor: mask mandates have been reintroduced in several hospitals. Do you think this will help curb the spread?
Dr. Sophie laurent: Absolutely. Mask-wearing is a simple yet effective way to reduce transmission, especially in healthcare settings where vulnerable individuals are concentrated. However, the challenge is that, five years after the COVID-19 pandemic, mask-wearing hasn’t become a ingrained habit for many people. A recent study by Public Health france found that more than 40% of French people never wear masks, even when experiencing symptoms.this reluctance undermines our efforts to control the epidemic. Reintroducing mask mandates in hospitals is a necessary step, but we also need broader public compliance to make a real difference.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
Senior Editor: What would you say are the key takeaways from this flu season, and what should people do to protect themselves?
Dr.Sophie Laurent: The key takeaways are clear: vaccination is essential, barrier gestures like mask-wearing and hand hygiene are critical, and we need collective duty to protect vulnerable populations. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet,it’s not too late—flu season typically lasts untill March. If you’re experiencing symptoms,stay home,wear a mask,and avoid close contact with others. And for healthcare workers, getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself but also about safeguarding the patients you care for.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for your insights. It’s clear that addressing this epidemic requires a multifaceted approach, and your expertise has been invaluable in helping us understand the situation better.
dr. Sophie Laurent: Thank you. it’s a challenging time, but with the right measures and public cooperation, we can get through this together.
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