The epidemic is subsiding, and three regions have entered the post-epidemic phase

Since the start of the epidemic, 1.9 million people have sought medical care for flu-like symptoms. Flu activity is declining in all regions of mainland France. However, 10 regions are still in the epidemic phase, while 3 regions have declared themselves to be in the post-epidemic phase: Brittany, Centre-Val de Loire, and Corsica (map).

The number of outpatient and inpatient visits is declining sharply, as is the weekly number of outbreaks of acute respiratory infections in long-term care facilities.

Since November 1, 2016, 1,275 severe cases of influenza have been reported to Santé publique France.

In the overseas departments, the epidemic continues in Guadeloupe and is stabilizing in Martinique. In French Guiana, the epidemic continues in outpatient settings and remains moderate in hospitals.

Regional Alert Level - Week 6

Public Health France analyzes data from its network of partners on a weekly basis. Alert levels (epidemic, pre-epidemic, post-epidemic, no alert) are determined based on statistical, epidemiological, and virological criteria. The statistical criteria are based on the analysis of thresholds generated from three sources (Réseau Sentinelles, SOS Médecins, and Oscour®) using three different statistical methods.

Excess all-cause mortality among the elderly

An increase in all-cause mortality has been observed nationwide since mid-December 2016. In week 4, the number of deaths remains higher than expected at the regional level (at least +22%) and across all 13 regions of mainland France. This increase affects almost exclusively people aged 65 and older. Since the start of the epidemic, the number of excess deaths from all causes is estimated at 17,000, though the portion attributable to influenza cannot currently be estimated.

Simple steps to protect yourself from the flu

Simple hygiene measures (limiting contact, washing hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using disposable tissues) help limit the spread of this disease, which spreads very quickly from person to person. However, vaccination remains the best preventive measure to protect against the flu, limit complications, and reduce the risk of hospitalization. It takes 15 days after the injection for the vaccine to provide protection, and those who have not been vaccinated before the outbreak run the risk of becoming infected before they are protected.

Early antiviral treatment is recommended for at-risk individuals at the first signs of the flu or after they have had close contact with a flu case.